Sad celebrity/superhero impersonators

Last year, Nicolas Silberfaden photographed superhero and celebrity impersonators in Los Angeles. If they look bummed out, it's because Silberfaden asked them to "to manifest feelings of genuine sadness – honest emotions that are a consequence of our current times." Each photo, he explains, "is a somber, striking visual image that contradicts the iconic nature of strength and moral righteousness typical in American superhero and celebrity imagery. Creating the illusion that Superman does exist – that he too was fallible and affected by America’s downturn." "Impersonators" (via Neatorama)

David Pescovitz is Boing Boing's co-editor/managing partner. He's also a research director at Institute for the Future. On Instagram, he's @pesco.

MORE: celebrities • impersonators • photography • superheroes

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vonbobo

Ha! Actually, that’s not a bad representation of Christopher Dennis. At least he put some fake muscles in his suit to cover his slight frame!

Check out Confessions of a Superhero for a decent documentary.
Destin

The Superdude on the left is Christopher Dennis, one of the “stars” of the 2007 Hollywood Boulevard character impersonators documentary “Confessions of a Superhero.” Judging by the movie, I don’t think he had to dig too far to manifest that genuine sadness.
- Brainspore
  
  But Bizarro Christopher Dennis is truly living the dream.
  - schlocktober
    
    I think Dennis appeared on the Daily Show a few years ago. One of the highlights of Dan Bakkedahl’s short tenure on the show. “I fought myself in a junkyard once.”
- http://twitter.com/zeroanaphora แอ็ะปปี้
  
  I was about to ask if that was him. Great doc.
http://tokyofarm.com Spencer Cross

Speaking as a 15-year resident of Hollywood, I can say with absolute certainty that the phrase “Sad celebrity/superhero impersonators” is a redundancy!
Ramone

I coulda’ swore that was Jan Michael Vincent on the left.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Rick-Adams/100000053021803 Rick Adams

I finally understand “sad clown” paintings.
PrettyBoyTim

Wow. The Indiana one ( http://www.nicolassilberfaden.com/files/gimgs/23_nsilberfadensuperhero11.jpg ) is fantastic.
Ashen Victor

Aquaman looks like: “You asking me to look sad? I´m Aquaman for Christ sake!”
- TWX
  
  At least he isn’t Scooter…
- danimagoo
  
  I thought he looked more like he just got his prostate checked.
  - Antinous / Moderator
    
    Post examinationis omne animal triste est sive gallus et mulier.
TWX

Go rent “The Specials” if you want to see a failed superheros movie. It’s mildly entertaining, and was upstaged by Mystery Men, which came out around the same time.
http://www.facebook.com/Buddyleet Buddy Lee

When will our cunrrent times be cheerful?
zoestercoaster

Aquaman has a very, “WELP. What are you going to do?” look to him.
JhmL

Poor Batgirl :(

I was also wondering how Aquaman was supposed to be sad, then I realised – he’s Aquaman. Sadness enough.
Frank Diekman

I feel sorry for Batgirl. The rest of them mostly seem kind of bummed, but she looks really distraught.
Halloween_Jack

Batgirl needs a hug.
- Antinous / Moderator
  
  Or a fix.