Study For “A Moral Society” from russel fong on Vimeo.

Anyone who’s lived in Williamsburg for at least 6 months is probably familiar with Laurence LaDouceur, or just as “you know… that crazy guy” like most people refer to him. Laurence spends a fair amount of time at the cross-section of Bedford and North 7th shouting about the ills of our society at indifferent cops, astonished tourists and snickering hipsters.

Laurence also happens to be our neighbor, living directly across the street from our 350 Broadway shop at the Glenwood Hostel. We’ve often commented on how normal he seems as he strolls back to his home away from his Bedford Ave. soap box. We’re still waiting for the eventuality of having Laurence wander across the street into our shop… someday soon I hope!

Russel Fong sat down with Laurence for this short study about him and his life. Laurence is not surprisingly a Vietnam vet who while lucid is clearly suffering from some form of psychosis. Aside from an interesting look into his life and his motivations, Study For “A Moral Society” also shows a rare glimpse inside the creepy and oddly Magenta and Sea-Foam colored Glenwood Hostel. This includes a tour Laurence’s room or rather hovel as he explains the difference and power behind his glass and quartz crystal collection.

I’m not sure how much anyone outside of Williamsburg will appreciate this but I was pretty stoked to discover this short documentary.

- My Pal the Crook