The documentary "The Measure of All Things" features people, places and things that are world-record holders, including Christine "The Dutchess" Walton above for -- obviously -- longest nails.
Sam Green's film "The Measure of All Things," showing at Walker Art Center on Friday night, is a documentary about some of the quirkier world-record holders around.There's also a local connection: the anechoic chamber at Orfield Labs, used to test product noise levels. At less than minus-9 decibels, it holds the title for quietest place on Earth.
"People think it's deep in a forest in Chile or something, but no, it's in Minneapolis," Green said. So don't the sounds made by shooting a movie defeat the purpose of portraying the most silent place ever? "Yeah, that was the challenge," he said. When he was in the chamber with lab owner Steve Orfield, he heard a clicking noise. "It was the artificial valve in his heart. I could hear my neck turning. That was kind of gross."
The documentary, screening Friday at 7 and 9 p.m., has a "live" format featuring narration by Green and an original score performed live by former Minneapolis musicmaker T. Griffin, ex-Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty and violinist/vocalist Catherine McRae.
