927

An abstract vision of the creation of the universe -- an epic work consisting of a prelude and four parts, making brilliant use of superimpositions, painting on film, distorting lenses, and rhythmic montage. This feature makes for hypnotic experimenting in silent filmmaking.

#984

Nothing like it before or after, Dog Star Man is an avant garde masterpiece.

"Both a hypnotic and unique, epic experience as well as a tiresome bore, and is best appreciated for its intense effect on the mind through the eyes."

I don't know if this is about the creation of the universe (according to the summary), but it's definitely abstract, all right. Somehow, this manages to be experimental -- seemingly almost random at some points -- yet consistently compelling, without seeming like the nonstop wankery that so many "art" films come across as being. I think I could watch Stan Brakhage films all day

A perfect film.

# 911

A full length collection of silent eye candy, with various bits of film spliced, scratched, and colored over to create fast moving patterns. No real plot (at least that two or more people could agree upon) but if you enjoy fractals and media player visuals, or even liquid light show style material for that matter, this will likely appeal to you. The Prelude section is the strongest in terms of consistent trip quality. Stan himself said that his films were made silent because music always seemed to override the film's visual rhythm, but I have found the album Permutation by Amon Tobin to go perfectly with it - fast-paced, hectic, jazzy, yet highly ordered.

Watching Brakhage is somewhat like getting your brain reorganized, like the most intense part of a heavy acid trip. Confusing images linger onscreen, sometimes coalescing into something recognizable, sometimes not. At other times, they flicker past in a mad rush, to the point where your eyes no longer try to process them but simply let them invade you. What the films really mean is ultimately irrelevant. To me, his movies are gateways to rarely-visited areas of the mind.

The prelude is creative but too abstract and nonsensical for my tastes. Part 1 was interesting but got pretty tedious and repetitive. Part 2 was the highlight, short and sweet, meditative and creative. Part 3 was like a blend of Part 2 and the prelude which was pretty cool. Part 4 was interesting but I didn't get much out of it. I can't really say I loved it since the prelude and Part 1 made up 2/3 of the whole thing, but it was a unique experience and it's worth at least giving it a shot.

The world and man in close-up, rush movement and silence... I didn't much care for it; far too hectic. Still probably need to let it sink in for a while. It do seem visionary and I kinda admire its ruthless personality, but this pace aint for me...

avg. score for the 4 parts

I tried it with pieces from Supersilent's first album (order: 1.1, 3.4, 2.5) as soundtrack and I think it's really fit in there.

I loved the beautiful Colorado imagery and there were some really cool images, but I couldn't exactly get into it, even though I'm an advocate of experimental film. It has its moments though. I will say I thoroughly enjoyed the Prelude.