Who Killed Amanda Palmer?: A Collection Of Photographic Evidence (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I love this book, for so many reasons. I love the album "Who Killed Amanda Palmer" and this is a companion art/photography book with stories written by other than Neil Gaiman himself.I love interesting photography, and the macabre studies of Amanda Palmer dead are fantastic.The stories are quirky, interesting and downright funny at times.I recommend this book to fans of Amanda Palmer, more so I recommend the album. Go, listen. It's fantastic and one of my favorites to write to. I wrote "Inked" pretty much solely to "Who Killed Amanda Palmer," and because of her strong songwriting and lyrics it was often that extra kick I needed when I ran in to writer's block.Buy, listen. It's worth it. As a photography book designed to supplement a new album this book seems more like an extension of the same art project as if they grew up around each other organically. Perhaps it is Ms. Palmers' history as a performance artist that makes her a perfect model for being photographed as deceased in elaborate and evocative positions and locales. Doubtless she is enjoying herself, which eliminates any misogynistic or overly macabre connotations. She is not advocating murder; maybe the death of a persona over and over constantly remaking and destroying yourself or simulacra of yourself as an image. The images are sinister, don’t get me wrong, but Palmer clearly is a willing participant. Some shots seem to have taken careful preparation and planning, others seem more casual. As if she was out with friends and said to them "Hey, this would be a nice spot for an 'AFP is Dead' shot." She is lying partially naked in a field with golfers in the background, or on the gravel in some English public park. "Hey, get a shot of my foot in the foreground with Notre Dame and those Chinese tourists in the back." Others involve fake blood and other makeup effects, props, decaying rooms full of detritus; obvious stagecraft. In some photographs she is not the center of attention and you have to look around for her, as if she was Waldo's bloated corpse.Often Palmer sings her songs with ether a rapid-fire pacing or slow drone, so it is a treat to have them on paper to explore at your leisure. Having images to go along with the songs gives you more insight into the artist's vision.Neil Gaiman's fiction serves as pleasant accompaniment to the images. Most of the photographs seem to beg for a story to go along with the murder and he knows how to add mystery, humor, and a supernatural quality to the pictures. The concept is not new, I know of a book with the fiction of Harlan Ellison accompanying his favorite fantasy artist, but it is welcome in this book and does not seem forced. Also, micro fiction is a rather maligned genre and I am glad to see it showcased here, because Neil does it well.Amanda has striking beautiful looks and an attractive body, and an impeccable taste in wardrobe, but it is still strange to see it mangled and bruised page after page. There is sentuality and sexuality here but it does not leave the ashen aftertaste of a snuff film. I would not have crafted this book to order but I did enjoy receiving it as a gift.This is not pornography or the product of a sick deranged mind. I can clearly see the artistic merit and cathartic release. I would say this is a must for any Dresden Dolls or Amanda Palmer fan, worthy for consideration for the Gaiman completes, or for the lover of photography. But don’t leave it on your desk at work or on your coffee table unless you have open minded Bohemian friends. A cursory glance by the squeamish or prudish could lead to some misunderstandings and awkward silences or excuses.So who killed Amanda Palmer? I think if you really take it all in objectively you will see that we all had the motive, means, and opportunity and all share jointly in the guilt and blame.
What do You think about Who Killed Amanda Palmer?: A Collection Of Photographic Evidence (2009)?
I didn't really enjoy this book as much as other people who know who Amanda Palmer is.
—nightpiper
Odd, and beautiful, and peculiar, and marvelous. That pretty much sums it all up.
—KatiVelura
