Mothlight (1963)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Stan Brakhage

Genre:

Short

Plot:

A "found foliage" film composed of insects, leaves, and other detritus sandwiched between two strips of perforated tape. |

Plot Keywords:

Insect | Experimental Film | Independent Film

Runtime:

4 min

Country:

USA

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Silent

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Jacket (2005)

Scrapbooking for Film Makers...

I tend to share the same sentiments as the commenter who saw Mothlight for a film studies class. I, too, watched it in my film studies course and while it was neat to think that he actually pasted leaves and wings onto the celluloid, it made me dizzy. Through discussion in my class, I learned that this was supposed to make me see these objects in a way I never have or maybe ever would again. But, all I saw was the meshing of blades of grass and moth wings. While some may see this as highly artistic, I really cannot. It's like paying for a tour of the art museum and being shown a white canvas with a red dot on it. I believe art takes true talent, and I can't help but wonder how many fourth graders could have a scavenger hunt outside and then cut and paste what they find onto strips of film. If you can find deep meanings and revelations in rapid images, then you would probably like this film. But, for those who see art (especially film art) as an avenue for conveying a message rather than leaving open interpretation for confused audience members, you may just want to watch it for visual stimulation if you watch it at all.