The documentary series Ren Faire, airing on HBO, plunges viewers into the captivating world of the Texas Renaissance Festival. The colorful tapestry of this festival includes performers donning medieval attire, musicians serenading the crowds, and fire eaters mesmerizing onlookers with their daring acts. At the helm of this grand spectacle is George Coulam, the larger-than-life founder and ruler of the Texas ren faire.
The Battle for Succession
As the curtains are drawn on this chapter of his life, George Coulam must make the weighty decision of choosing his successor. Among the contenders vying for the coveted position are general manager Jeffrey Baldwin, the illustrious “Lord of Corn” Louie Migliaccio, and the talented elephant trainer Darla Smith. The stakes are high as each candidate strives to prove their worthiness to ascend to the throne of the Texas Renaissance Festival.
Director Lance Oppenheim delves into the intricate web of power dynamics and personal aspirations that define the world of the Texas ren faire. What initially appeared as a comedy of errors soon transforms into a poignant tragedy as the ambitions and vulnerabilities of the characters come to the fore. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Oppenheim captures the essence of the human drama unfolding within the realm of the festival.
The Filmmaker’s Perspective
At the Independent Film Festival Boston, Lance Oppenheim reflected on the creative process behind Ren Faire. He emphasized the juxtaposition between the fantastical elements of the festival and the underlying realities of everyday life. Oppenheim, in collaboration with cinematographer Nate Hurtsellers, sought to immerse the audience in the rich tapestry of the festival while also highlighting the universal themes of ambition, rivalry, and human connection.
A Glimpse into Oppenheim’s Oeuvre
At the age of 28, Lance Oppenheim has already made a mark in the world of documentary filmmaking. His previous works, including the acclaimed Spermworld and Some Kind of Heaven, showcase his penchant for exploring the complexities of human relationships and societal norms. With Ren Faire, Oppenheim once again delves into uncharted territory, peeling back the layers of a seemingly whimsical world to reveal the intricate workings of power and ambition.
In the world of the Texas Renaissance Festival, George Coulam reigns supreme as both a benevolent ruler and an enigmatic figure. Described as a “healthy 6’2″, 173 lbs., 86-year-old sexually active Caucasian male entrepreneur,” Coulam exudes charisma and authority. His interactions with his employees and his occasional consultations with celestial beings add an air of mystery to his persona. Is Coulam a figure reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Falstaff, reveling in the joys of life, or does he embody the tragic grandeur of King Lear, grappling with the weight of his decisions?
As the battle for succession reaches its climax, the audience is drawn deeper into the intricate web of power, ambition, and personal rivalries that define the Texas Renaissance Festival. Through Lance Oppenheim’s masterful direction, viewers are offered a peek behind the curtain of this larger-than-life spectacle, where the quest for power and the human desire for connection intersect in a captivating dance of drama and intrigue. As the dust settles and George Coulam makes his final decision, the legacy of the Texas Renaissance Festival hangs in the balance, a testament to the enduring allure of power and prestige in the grand theater of life.