The Flaming Lips, the psychedelic alternative rock band from Oklahoma City, is about to go to the nation (USA) with the launch of the much-anticipated Christmas on Mars movie. The short film, directed by lead singer Wayne Coyne, tells the story of the experiences of Major Syrtis during the first Christmas on a newly-colonized Mars.
Major Syrtis (played by Steven Drozd, multi-instrumentalist and arranger/composer for The Flaming Lips), is trying to organise a Christmas pageant to celebrate the birth of the first colonist baby. Wayne Coyne plays the part of a Martian who is invited to take on the role of Santa Claus.
Filming took place between 2001 and 2005, using band members and their friends as actors. The film was premiered at the Sasquatch! Music Festival in May 2008 but will not be screened in normal cinemas. The band plans to show the movie during their concerts, adding their own ambient elements to the experience. Fans can order their copy of the DVD from the Flaming Lips online store in October 2008, along with a CD with the score.
Here’s the trailer, first made available on the Flight Test EP but now available on the Flaming Lips and Warner Brothers YouTube channels.
Click on the image below to play the video.. Be prepared for creative strangeness…