Better Living Through Circuitry (1999)

First and foremost, this is an extremely entertaining documentary. Jon Reiss has taken a subject that lies in the background of mainstream society and exploits it for just about any viewer. The real strength of the film rests in the notion that you don't have to be interested in the subject matter to gain something from watching it. This happens to be a major problem with several documentaries, however, with Better Living, you really walk away with a strong, unbiased sense of the rave scene. The visual aesthetics and style of filming really capture the energy and feel of the electronic dance culture and the interviews are interesting to watch. Other features about the rave subculture (i.e. Groove and Go), although entertaining, seem to focus more on the elements of drug use and exploitation whereas this film allows the viewer to see the many different sides that the culture has to offer. Yes, the film does have its flaws but you should judge those for yourself. Definitely worth a Netflix rent - check it out.

Finally I was able to watch a documentary that expressed exactly what I felt about the scene. This little number is a must see if you are or are not a raver. I agree with the earlier poster who says that "Better Living.." shows these parties and music professionals in a positive light. That's something that has been virtually ignored in todays "news" reporting of rave parties.

One has to look at this piece for the insight and information that it presents. While the documentary ideology is slanted heavily toward the pro's rather then the con's, it does justice to the overall vision of what is being accomplished.I took in this film in a Cleveland institute and was really caught up in what the filmmaker was trying to capture. With live footage from the houses to set-up, the whole philsophy was interwoven within the work. Regardless of if you take altering substances or not, go for the DJ's or just to let go and be free, raves are as positive as they were presented.Staying true to form of 1960's culture documentaries (i.e. Woodstock, Haight Ashbury work), Circuitry shows that people can come together and understand each other through something as easy to understand as music. But this could just be an illusion due to the fact that we are not suppose to enjoy life and explore each other....B+ Grade

An amazing look at the Undergound Electronic Dance culture known as "Raves." I saw this during ResFest (the cutting edge Digital Film Fest) and I was blown away by how energetic, intelligent and entertaining it was. I can't wait to bring my friends (and parents) to see it when it comes back to New York this spring.If you are in the scene or just curious about it, you owe it to yourself to check out this film that shows the "real deal." PEACE