Brakhage (1998)

"BRAKHAGE" (1998) is an illuminating exploration into the creative universe of Stan Brakhage (1933-2003) - a luminary who reigned supreme in the realm of avant-garde filmmaking and etched his distinct mark on the canvas of cinematic artistry. From his early twenties, until his last breath, Brakhage crafted an astounding portfolio of over 400 films, each a testament to his untamed artistic spirit and bold experimentation with the medium. This film delves into the profound depths of Brakhage's genius, bringing to the surface the ethereal beauty of his creations, his infectious charisma, and his camaraderie with like-minded aesthetes. It also casts a spotlight on the ripple effect his work imprinted on the creative psyche of subsequent generations of artists. "BRAKHAGE" elegantly intertwines key milestones from the filmmaker's life, while underlining his pioneering role in challenging the traditional boundaries of cinema - a medium often confined to the realms of narratives, cartoons, documentaries, and advertisements. The film is a rich tapestry woven from excerpts of Brakhage's films and those of fellow avant-garde filmmakers such as George Kuchar, Jonas Mekas, Willie Varela, Bruce Elder and more. Intimate interviews with Brakhage, those in his inner circle, colleagues, and critics, form the threads of this narrative, along with rare archival footage spanning over three decades and vivid on-location shots from Colorado and New York. Helmed by Jim Shedden and produced by Alexa-Frances Shaw, with executive production by Ron Mann, "BRAKHAGE" is elevated further by an original score from James Tenney, a renowned avant-garde composer and long-time associate of Brakhage. This film is more than a biography; it's an invitation to traverse the extraordinary artistic journey of one of cinema's most influential figures.

Brakhage is a documentary movie featuring Stan Brakhage and directed by Jim Shedden.

Brakhage is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Brakhage on Amazon Video and Apple TV.