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Stan Brakhage: An Adventure in Perception (18*)

Bebop New York

Close up shot of woman

A triple bill of films by the American pioneer of 'first-person' cinema.

Avant-garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage moved to New York in 1954, a stay which culminated in the seminal film Anticipation of the Night.

Brakhage broke with the idea that film should record and tell a story acted out for the camera. Here, there is no on-screen protagonist; the protagonist is the director, the images on screen communicate his subjectivity. To do so, Brakhage developed an array of strategies and techniques, including fluid handheld camera movements, rapid editing, and the use of abstract imagery.

Brakhage’s films typically record events in his daily life, and in this way too achieve new cinematic levels of immediacy and intimacy. One of his most famous, Window, Water, Baby Moving, documents his wife’s pregnancy and the birth of their first child.

Wedlock House: An Intercourse
US 1959 Dir Stan Brakhage 11 min silent 16mm presentation

Window Water Baby Moving
US 1959 Dir Stan Brakhage 12 min silent 16mm presentation

Anticipation of the Night
US 1958 Dir Stan Brakhage 43 min silent 16mm presentation 

The Bebop New York film season accompanies the major exhibition Lee Krasner: Living Colour in the Art Gallery from 30 May – 1 Sep 2019.

* = locally classified by the City of London Corporation

Please arrive promptly at the advertised start time

Proof of ID may be requested on entry to films, in compliance with BBFC ratings

Discover

Barbican Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.