order of the illusive

In Japan, a man (Masao Inoue) takes a job as a janitor at a mental asylum in order to be near his wife (Yoshie Nakagawa). Although his wife suffers genuine mental anguish, the man believes he can rescue her — but his attempt to break her out one night backfires when she panics. After she returns to her room, the husband again makes plans to try to take her out, only to be interrupted in the attempt by a doctor and several attendants, whom he attacks and believes he has killed.

Order of the Illusive presents a live original score to A Page of Madness, the groundbreaking Japanese silent film celebrating its 100th anniversary this year directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. Blurring the line between reality and hallucination, the film’s dreamlike imagery and psychological intensity are matched by the trio’s immersive blend of ambient textures, experimental rock, improvisation, and cinematic soundscapes. Using electric guitar, pencilina, 17-string bass, electronics, and percussion, Order of the Illusive creates a powerful new musical experience that breathes fresh life into this landmark of avant-garde cinema.