Mikhail Tank’s Psychological
Antidotes and Soul Prescriptions: The Story of Darksoul Theatre documents
the events, emotions, and thoughts that led to his creation of Darksoul
Theatre. This documentary offers an
intimate look at the inception and struggle of a performance artist. Mikhail’s interests are theatre, spoken word,
video, and a positive life outlook.
Presented in chronological order, Mikhail starts with his
childhood in Russia and the oppression he felt creatively. Upon moving to America for high school, he
immediately took to expressing himself in any way, and anywhere, he was
able. From the lunch room to during
class to the stage, Mikhail embraced the freedom his new home allowed. From there he talks about his college years
and collaborations, and even his plans for the future of his art and Darksoul
Theatre.
The main theme of Psychological
Antidotes and Soul Prescriptions is really positive messages for life. Mikhail frames this life philosophy in terms
of darkness versus negativity. Mikhail
feels the two are opposites, where negativity will bring you down if you
embrace the darkness of yourself you know yourself, and can fulfill your
creative potential. He also poses a
thoughtful question about the motive for creativity. The question is whether one is creative to
clear their soul, for money, or for the souls in the audience.
Visually, the documentary contains a mix of interview
footage, studio footage, original performance footage, and interesting visual
effects. All-in-all it was well
assembled and flowed nicely between the different elements.
Psychological
Antidotes and Soul Prescriptions is an informative and emotional
documentary. Mikhail talks about
struggles and challenges but always manages to see the positives in every
situation. He infuses himself in his art
and holds nothing back, and in that sense this documentary would be more
powerful if the viewer immersed themselves in his performances and art. For an interesting and life-affirming
documentary about one man’s creative outlets, peer into your inner darkness and
watch Psychological Antidotes and Soul
Prescriptions.
