Event

Dog Star Man

A rare screening of an essential film of the 20th century avant garde in its original 16mm format. Four years in the making, this influential and much-revered abstract work is widely regarded as the masterpiece of legendary filmmaker Stan Brakhage, who made more than 350 films over 50 years. A psychedelic freakout, mytho-poetic dissertation, and game-changing aesthetic shot across the bow all in one, DOG STAR MAN is an unforgettable work of high artistry, as challenging as it is rewarding.

Unlike Brakhage's later and better-known painted films, DOG STAR MAN draws mainly on filmed actualities. Its components are all contained in the stunning Prelude. Over the next four parts these elements are fragmented, manipulated, and recombined in a mosaic of increasing complexity. On one level it depicts an intensely mythic spiritual quest, a deeply personal farago informed by Brakhage's lifelong study of poetry and symbolism. On another level it is a purely visual tour de force of editing and composition that can be experienced solely on its own (or your own) terms.

Shown silent, as intended by the filmmaker.