Stan Brakhage

Stan Brakhage

Directing

January 14, 1933 — March 9, 2003Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Stan Brakhage is one of the most influential filmmakers in American avant-garde cinema, noted for his unflinching social commentaries and technical innovations. Over his nearly 40-year career, he has made over 200 films of varying length. He made his first film, Interim (1952) at age 18 after dropping out of college. Brakhage films seek to change the way we see. They encourage viewers to eschew traditional narrative structure in favor of pure visual perception that is not reliant on naming what is seen; rather his goal is to create a more visceral visual experience, for he believes that a "stream-of visual-consciousness could be nothing less than the pathway of the soul." To this end, his films are shot in highly sensual colors and utilize minimal soundtracks. His work can be divided into distinct periods. His first short films explored the properties and possibilities of light. In many of his experimental ventures, Brakhage has forgone traditional cinematography in favor of working directly with the film stock itself. He has occasionally painted, inked, scratched and dyed images onto it; he has also tried pasting organic objects on the film. His most famous example is the 1963 short Mothlight in which he glued moth wings onto the stock. Some of his early films were based on his most intimate experiences that included making love to his new bride--depicted on negative film--in Wedlock House: An Intercourse (1959), and an attempt to bring his dead dog back to life with a camera in Sirius Remembered (1959). During the 1960s, Brakhage's iconoclastic views were celebrated for their poetry, but during the '70s, his focus changed to social issues and he alienated many supporters with such disturbing film series as the "Pittsburgh documents" in which he presented many gruesome views of inner city life with films such as Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes (1971) which was shot in a morgue. He also continued with autobiographical material with the "Sincerity/Duplicity series. During the 1980s, Brakhage's focus again changed--this time he became intrigued with creating truly "abstract" films such as Arabics (1982) which consists of brilliant bursts of colored light which he claims, represent "envisioned music." In addition to filmmaking, Brakhage also wrote books about films and filmmaking and also served as a teacher.

Known for

Cannibal! The Musical

Cannibal! The Musical

1996

Mothlight

Mothlight

1963

As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

2000

Window Water Baby Moving

Window Water Baby Moving

1959

Eye Myth

Eye Myth

1967

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

1972

Stellar

Stellar

1993

The Dante Quartet

The Dante Quartet

1987

Night Music

Night Music

1986

Black Ice

Black Ice

1994

Directing383

20 Little Films

20 Little Films

2012

Director

By Brakhage: An Anthology, Volume Two

By Brakhage: An Anthology, Volume Two

2010

Director

By Brakhage: An Anthology, Volume One

By Brakhage: An Anthology, Volume One

2003

Director

Chinese Series

Chinese Series

2003

Director

Stan's Window & Work in Progress

Stan's Window & Work in Progress

2003

Director

Panels for the Walls of Heaven

Panels for the Walls of Heaven

2002

Director

Resurrectus Est

Resurrectus Est

2002

Director

SB

2002

Director

Seasons...

Seasons...

2002

Director

Ascension

Ascension

2002

Director

Song of the Mushroom

Song of the Mushroom

2002

Director

Max

Max

2002

Director

Persian Series #17

Persian Series #17

2001

Director

Persian Series #13

Persian Series #13

2001

Director

Persian Series #14

Persian Series #14

2001

Director

Persian Series #15

Persian Series #15

2001

Director

Persian Series #18

Persian Series #18

2001

Director

Persian Series #16

Persian Series #16

2001

Director

Micro-Garden

Micro-Garden

2001

Director

Garden Path

Garden Path

2001

Director

Lovesong 5 & 6

Lovesong 5 & 6

2001

Director

Dark Night of The Soul

Dark Night of The Soul

2001

Director

Lovesong 4

Lovesong 4

2001

Director

Lovesong

Lovesong

2001

Director

Lovesong 3

Lovesong 3

2001

Director

Occam's Thread

Occam's Thread

2001

Director

Rounds

Rounds

2001

Director

Very

Very

2001

Director

Night Mulch

Night Mulch

2001

Director

Lovesong 2

Lovesong 2

2001

Director

Jesus Trilogy and Coda

Jesus Trilogy and Coda

2000

Director

Persian Series #11

Persian Series #11

2000

Director

Persian Series #12

Persian Series #12

2000

Director

Persian Series #10

Persian Series #10

2000

Director

The God of Day Had Gone Down Upon Him

The God of Day Had Gone Down Upon Him

2000

Director

Water for Maya

Water for Maya

2000

Director

Persian Series #7

Persian Series #7

2000

Director

Persian Series #6

Persian Series #6

2000

Director

Persian Series #8

Persian Series #8

2000

Director

Persian Series #9

Persian Series #9

2000

Director

Dance

2000

Director

The Lion and the Zebra Make God's Raw Jewels

The Lion and the Zebra Make God's Raw Jewels

1999

Director

Moilsome Toilsome

Moilsome Toilsome

1999

Director

Persian Series #2

Persian Series #2

1999

Director

Persian Series #3

Persian Series #3

1999

Director

Persian Series #1

Persian Series #1

1999

Director

Persian Series #4

Persian Series #4

1999

Director

Persian Series #5

Persian Series #5

1999

Director

The Earth Song of the Cricket

The Earth Song of the Cricket

1999

Director

The Dark Tower

The Dark Tower

1999

Director

The Birds Of Paradise

The Birds Of Paradise

1999

Director

Stately Mansions Did Decree

Stately Mansions Did Decree

1999

Director

Coupling

Coupling

1999

Director

Cloud Chamber

Cloud Chamber

1999

Director

Worm and Web Love

Worm and Web Love

1999

Director

Cricket Requiem

Cricket Requiem

1999

Director

"..." Reel 3

"..." Reel 3

1998

Director

"..." Reel 5

"..." Reel 5

1998

Director

The Female Mystique and Spare Leaves (for Gordon)

The Female Mystique and Spare Leaves (for Gordon)

1998

Director

"..." Reel 4

"..." Reel 4

1998

Director

"..." Reel 1

1998

Director

"..." Reel 2

"..." Reel 2

1998

Director

Self Song & Death Song

Self Song & Death Song

1997

Director

Yggdrasill: Whose Roots Are Stars in the Human Mind

Yggdrasill: Whose Roots Are Stars in the Human Mind

1997

Director

The Cat of the Worm's Green Realm

The Cat of the Worm's Green Realm

1997

Director

Last Hymn to the Night - Novalis

Last Hymn to the Night - Novalis

1997

Director

Divertimento

Divertimento

1997

Director

Comingled Containers

Comingled Containers

1996

Director

Prelude 9

Prelude 9

1996

Director

Prelude 11

Prelude 11

1996

Director

Prelude 7

Prelude 7

1996

Director

Prelude 12

1996

Director

Prelude 8

Prelude 8

1996

Director

Prelude 13

Prelude 13

1996

Director

Prelude 10

Prelude 10

1996

Director

Prelude 14

Prelude 14

1996

Director

Shockingly Hot

Shockingly Hot

1996

Director

Prelude 15

Prelude 15

1996

Director

Prelude 16

Prelude 16

1996

Director

Prelude 21

Prelude 21

1996

Director

Prelude 22

Prelude 22

1996

Director

Prelude 24

Prelude 24

1996

Director

Prelude 17

Prelude 17

1996

Director

Prelude 19

Prelude 19

1996

Director

Prelude 20

Prelude 20

1996

Director

Prelude 23

Prelude 23

1996

Director

Prelude 18

Prelude 18

1996

Director

Blue Value

Blue Value

1996

Director

Sexual Saga

Sexual Saga

1996

Director

The Fur of Home

The Fur of Home

1996

Director

Beautiful Funerals

Beautiful Funerals

1996

Director

Polite Madness

Polite Madness

1996

Director

Through Wounded Eyes

Through Wounded Eyes

1996

Director

Concrescence

Concrescence

1996

Director

Two Found Objects of Charles Boultenhouse

Two Found Objects of Charles Boultenhouse

1996

Director

I Take These Truths

I Take These Truths

1995

Director

I...

I...

1995

Director

We Hold These

We Hold These

1995

Director

The 'b' Series

The 'b' Series

1995

Director

Prelude 3

Prelude 3

1995

Director

Prelude 4

Prelude 4

1995

Director

Prelude 1

Prelude 1

1995

Director

Prelude 2

Prelude 2

1995

Director

Prelude 5

Prelude 5

1995

Director

Prelude 6

Prelude 6

1995

Director

In Consideration of Pompeii

In Consideration of Pompeii

1995

Director

The "Lost" Films

The "Lost" Films

1995

Director

Spring Cycle

Spring Cycle

1995

Director

Paranoia Corridor

Paranoia Corridor

1995

Director

Earthen Aerie

Earthen Aerie

1995

Director

Black Ice

Black Ice

1994

Director

From: First Hymn to the Night – Novalis

From: First Hymn to the Night – Novalis

1994

Director

Chartres Series

Chartres Series

1994

Director

The Mammals of Victoria

The Mammals of Victoria

1994

Director

Elementary Phrases

Elementary Phrases

1994

Director

Naughts

Naughts

1994

Director

Cannot Exist

Cannot Exist

1994

Director

Cannot Not Exist

Cannot Not Exist

1994

Director

Alternating Currents

Alternating Currents

1994

Director

Stellar

Stellar

1993

Director

Study in Color and Black and White

Study in Color and Black and White

1993

Director

Autumnal

Autumnal

1993

Director

Three Homerics

Three Homerics

1993

Director

The Harrowing

The Harrowing

1993

Director

Tryst Haunt

Tryst Haunt

1993

Director

Boulder Blues and Pearls and...

Boulder Blues and Pearls and...

1993

Director

Ephemeral Solidity

Ephemeral Solidity

1993

Director

Blossom-Gift/Favor

Blossom-Gift/Favor

1993

Director

Untitled (For Marilyn)

Untitled (For Marilyn)

1992

Director

Interpolations 1-5

Interpolations 1-5

1992

Director

Christ Mass Sex Dance

Christ Mass Sex Dance

1991

Director

Agnus Dei Kinder Synapse

Agnus Dei Kinder Synapse

1991

Director

Delicacies of Molten Horror Synapse

Delicacies of Molten Horror Synapse

1991

Director

Crack Glass Eulogy

Crack Glass Eulogy

1991

Director

A Child’s Garden and the Serious Sea

A Child’s Garden and the Serious Sea

1991

Director

Passage Through: A Ritual

Passage Through: A Ritual

1990

Director

Vision of the Fire Tree

Vision of the Fire Tree

1990

Director

Glaze of Cathexis

Glaze of Cathexis

1990

Director

Visions in Meditation #3: Plato's Cave

Visions in Meditation #3: Plato's Cave

1990

Director

Visions in Meditation #4: D.H. Lawrence

Visions in Meditation #4: D.H. Lawrence

1990

Director

City Streaming

City Streaming

1990

Director

Babylon Series #2

Babylon Series #2

1990

Director

Babylon Series #3

Babylon Series #3

1990

Director

The Thatch of Night

The Thatch of Night

1990

Director

Babylon Series #1

Babylon Series #1

1989

Director

Faust IV

Faust IV

1989

Director

Visions in Meditation #1

Visions in Meditation #1

1989

Director

Visions in Meditation #2: Mesa Verde

Visions in Meditation #2: Mesa Verde

1989

Director

I... Dreaming

I... Dreaming

1988

Director

Faust 3: Candida Albacore

Faust 3: Candida Albacore

1988

Director

Faust's Other: An Idyll

Faust's Other: An Idyll

1988

Director

Rage Net

Rage Net

1988

Director

Marilyn's Window

Marilyn's Window

1988

Director

Matins

Matins

1988

Director

The Dante Quartet

The Dante Quartet

1987

Director

Loud Visual Noises

Loud Visual Noises

1987

Director

Faustfilm: An Opera

Faustfilm: An Opera

1987

Director

Kindering

Kindering

1987

Director

The Loom

The Loom

1986

Director

Dance Shadows by Danelle Helander

Dance Shadows by Danelle Helander

1986

Director

Fireloop

Fireloop

1986

Director

Night Music

Night Music

1986

Director

Confession

Confession

1986

Director

The Aerodyne

The Aerodyne

1986

Director

Jane

Jane

1985

Director

Tortured Dust

Tortured Dust

1984

Director

Tortured Dust Part 3

Tortured Dust Part 3

1984

Director

Tortured Dust Part 2

Tortured Dust Part 2

1984

Director

Tortured Dust Part 1

Tortured Dust Part 1

1984

Director

Tortured Dust Part 4

Tortured Dust Part 4

1984

Director

Egyptian Series

Egyptian Series

1984

Director

Hell Spit Flexion

Hell Spit Flexion

1983

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 15

Arabic Numeral Series 15

1982

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 19

Arabic Numeral Series 19

1982

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 16

Arabic Numeral Series 16

1982

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 18

Arabic Numeral Series 18

1982

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 14

Arabic Numeral Series 14

1982

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 17

Arabic Numeral Series 17

1982

Director

Nodes

Nodes

1981

Director

Unconscious London Strata

Unconscious London Strata

1981

Director

Made Manifest

Made Manifest

1981

Director

Aftermath

Aftermath

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 12

Arabic Numeral Series 12

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 11

Arabic Numeral Series 11

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 0 + 10

Arabic Numeral Series 0 + 10

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 13

Arabic Numeral Series 13

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 9

Arabic Numeral Series 9

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 7

Arabic Numeral Series 7

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 8

Arabic Numeral Series 8

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 3

Arabic Numeral Series 3

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 6

Arabic Numeral Series 6

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 1

Arabic Numeral Series 1

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 2

Arabic Numeral Series 2

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 4

Arabic Numeral Series 4

1981

Director

Arabic Numeral Series 5

Arabic Numeral Series 5

1981

Director

The Garden of Earthly Delights

The Garden of Earthly Delights

1981

Director

RR

1981

Director

Murder Psalm

Murder Psalm

1980

Director

Duplicity III

Duplicity III

1980

Director

Roman Numeral: VII

Roman Numeral: VII

1980

Director

Roman Numeral: IV

Roman Numeral: IV

1980

Director

Roman Numeral: VIII

Roman Numeral: VIII

1980

Director

Roman Numeral: IX

Roman Numeral: IX

1980

Director

Roman Numeral: VI

Roman Numeral: VI

1980

Director

Roman Numeral: V

Roman Numeral: V

1980

Director

4A

1980

Director

Sincerity V

Sincerity V

1980

Director

Other

Other

1980

Director

Salome

Salome

1980

Director

@

1979

Director

Roman Numeral: I

Roman Numeral: I

1979

Director

Roman Numeral: II

Roman Numeral: II

1979

Director

Sincerity IV

Sincerity IV

1979

Director

Creation

Creation

1979

Director

Roman Numeral: III

Roman Numeral: III

1979

Director

Burial Path

Burial Path

1978

Director

Thot-Fal'N

Thot-Fal'N

1978

Director

Bird

Bird

1978

Director

Centre

Centre

1978

Director

Nightmare Series

Nightmare Series

1978

Director

Sluice

Sluice

1978

Director

Purity and After

Purity and After

1978

Director

Duplicity II

Duplicity II

1978

Director

Sincerity III

Sincerity III

1978

Director

Duplicity I

Duplicity I

1978

Director

The Governor

1977

Director

Soldiers and Other Cosmic Objects

Soldiers and Other Cosmic Objects

1977

Director

Tragoedia

Tragoedia

1977

Director

The Domain of the Moment

The Domain of the Moment

1977

Director

The Dream, N.Y.C., The Return, The Flower

The Dream, N.Y.C., The Return, The Flower

1976

Director

Absence

Absence

1976

Director

Desert

Desert

1976

Director

Highs

Highs

1976

Director

Rembrandt, Etc., and Jane

Rembrandt, Etc., and Jane

1976

Director

Trio

Trio

1976

Director

Window

Window

1976

Director

Airs

Airs

1976

Director

Gadflies

1976

Director

Sketches

1976

Director

Short Films 1976

Short Films 1976

1976

Director

Short Films 1975: #1 (Jane’s Memory)

Short Films 1975: #1 (Jane’s Memory)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #3 (Hollis Frampton)

Short Films 1975: #3 (Hollis Frampton)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #2 (Dante’s Styx)

Short Films 1975: #2 (Dante’s Styx)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #5 (Niagara Falls)

Short Films 1975: #5 (Niagara Falls)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #4 (Lady in Glass)

Short Films 1975: #4 (Lady in Glass)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #8 (Small Town Streets)

Short Films 1975: #8 (Small Town Streets)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #6 (Stars, Chickens, Eyes, Candles)

Short Films 1975: #6 (Stars, Chickens, Eyes, Candles)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #7 (Turning the Raccoon Loose)

Short Films 1975: #7 (Turning the Raccoon Loose)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975

Short Films 1975

1975

Director

Sincerity II

Sincerity II

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #10 (Painted Lightning)

Short Films 1975: #10 (Painted Lightning)

1975

Director

Short Films 1975: #9 (Forest Love Scene)

Short Films 1975: #9 (Forest Love Scene)

1975

Director

The Stars Are Beautiful

The Stars Are Beautiful

1974

Director

The Text of Light

The Text of Light

1974

Director

Hymn to Her

Hymn to Her

1974

Director

Star Garden

1974

Director

Skein

Skein

1974

Director

Aquarien

Aquarien

1974

Director

Clancy

Clancy

1974

Director

Flight

Flight

1974

Director

“He was born, he suffered, he died.”

“He was born, he suffered, he died.”

1974

Director

Sol

Sol

1974

Director

Dominion

Dominion

1974

Director

Gift

1973

Director

Sincerity I

Sincerity I

1973

Director

Sexual Meditation: Open Field

Sexual Meditation: Open Field

1973

Director

The Women

The Women

1973

Director

The Process

The Process

1972

Director

The Riddle of Lumen

The Riddle of Lumen

1972

Director

Sexual Meditation: Office Suite

Sexual Meditation: Office Suite

1972

Director

Sexual Meditation: Faun's Room, Yale

Sexual Meditation: Faun's Room, Yale

1972

Director

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

1972

Director

The Wold-Shadow

The Wold-Shadow

1972

Director

Wecht

1972

Director

Sexual Meditation: Hotel

Sexual Meditation: Hotel

1972

Director

The Shores of Phos: A Fable

The Shores of Phos: A Fable

1972

Director

Eye Myth Educational

Eye Myth Educational

1972

Director

The Presence

The Presence

1972

Director

Deus Ex

1971

Director

The Trip to Door

The Trip to Door

1971

Director

Fox Fire Child Watch

Fox Fire Child Watch

1971

Director

Western History

Western History

1971

Director

Sexual Meditation: Room with View

Sexual Meditation: Room with View

1971

Director

Door

Door

1971

Director

The Peaceable Kingdom

The Peaceable Kingdom

1971

Director

Angels'

Angels'

1971

Director

Eyes

Eyes

1970

Director

The Machine of Eden

The Machine of Eden

1970

Director

The Animals of Eden and After

The Animals of Eden and After

1970

Director

The Weir-Falcon Saga

The Weir-Falcon Saga

1970

Director

Scenes from Under Childhood

Scenes from Under Childhood

1970

Director

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section Four

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section Four

1970

Director

Sexual Meditation #1: Motel

Sexual Meditation #1: Motel

1970

Director

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section Three

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section Three

1969

Director

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section Two

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section Two

1969

Director

My Mtn. Song 27 Part II: Rivers

My Mtn. Song 27 Part II: Rivers

1969

Director

Window Suite of Children's Songs

Window Suite of Children's Songs

1969

Director

American 30s Song

American 30s Song

1969

Director

Song 28

Song 28

1969

Director

Song 29

Song 29

1969

Director

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section One

Scenes from Under Childhood, Section One

1968

Director

The Horseman, the Woman, and the Moth

The Horseman, the Woman, and the Moth

1968

Director

Lovemaking

Lovemaking

1968

Director

My Mountain: Song 27

My Mountain: Song 27

1968

Director

Song 26

Song 26

1968

Director

Eye Myth

Eye Myth

1967

Director

Song 24

Song 24

1967

Director

Song 25

Song 25

1967

Director

For Life, Against the War

For Life, Against the War

1967

Director

23rd Psalm Branch

23rd Psalm Branch

1967

Director

23rd Psalm Branch: Part I

23rd Psalm Branch: Part I

1967

Director

23rd Psalm Branch: Part II

23rd Psalm Branch: Part II

1967

Director

Song 21

Song 21

1966

Director

Song 20

Song 20

1966

Director

Song 17

Song 17

1966

Director

Song 22

Song 22

1966

Director

Song 18

Song 18

1966

Director

Song 19

Song 19

1966

Director

Song 16

Song 16

1966

Director

Pasht

Pasht

1966

Director

Two: Creeley/McClure

Two: Creeley/McClure

1965

Director

Fire of Waters

Fire of Waters

1965

Director

Three Films: Blue White/Blood's Tone/Vein

Three Films: Blue White/Blood's Tone/Vein

1965

Director

Song 12

Song 12

1965

Director

Song 14

Song 14

1965

Director

Song 13

Song 13

1965

Director

Song 11

Song 11

1965

Director

15 Song Traits

1965

Director

Black Vision

Black Vision

1965

Director

The Art of Vision

The Art of Vision

1965

Director

Song 10

Song 10

1965

Director

Song 9

Song 9

1965

Director

Dog Star Man

1965

Director

Dog Star Man: Part IV

Dog Star Man: Part IV

1964

Director

Dog Star Man: Part III

Dog Star Man: Part III

1964

Director

Dog Star Man: Part II

Dog Star Man: Part II

1964

Director

Song 6

Song 6

1964

Director

Song 4

Song 4

1964

Director

Song 2

Song 2

1964

Director

Song 3

Song 3

1964

Director

Song 8

Song 8

1964

Director

Song 5

Song 5

1964

Director

Song 1

Song 1

1964

Director

Song 7

Song 7

1964

Director

Mothlight

Mothlight

1963

Director

Oh Life - a Woe Story - the A Test News

Oh Life - a Woe Story - the A Test News

1963

Director

Dog Star Man: Part I

Dog Star Man: Part I

1963

Director

Blue Moses

Blue Moses

1962

Director

Prelude: Dog Star Man

Prelude: Dog Star Man

1962

Director

Silent Sound Sense Stars Subotnick and Sender

Silent Sound Sense Stars Subotnick and Sender

1962

Director

Mr. Tompkins Inside Himself

Mr. Tompkins Inside Himself

1962

Director

Thigh Line Lyre Triangular

Thigh Line Lyre Triangular

1961

Director

Sartre's Nausea

Sartre's Nausea

1961

Director

Films by Stan Brakhage: An Avant-Garde Home Movie

Films by Stan Brakhage: An Avant-Garde Home Movie

1961

Director

Ballad of the Colorado Ute

Ballad of the Colorado Ute

1961

Director

The Dead

The Dead

1960

Director

Colorado Legend

Colorado Legend

1960

Director

Sirius Remembered

Sirius Remembered

1959

Director

Window Water Baby Moving

Window Water Baby Moving

1959

Director

Wedlock House: An Intercourse

Wedlock House: An Intercourse

1959

Director

Cat's Cradle

Cat's Cradle

1959

Director

Anticipation of the Night

Anticipation of the Night

1958

Director

Loving

Loving

1957

Director

Daybreak and Whiteye

Daybreak and Whiteye

1957

Director

Flesh of Morning

Flesh of Morning

1956

Director

Zone Moment

Zone Moment

1956

Director

Nightcats

Nightcats

1956

Director

The Wonder Ring

The Wonder Ring

1955

Director

Untitled Film of Geoffrey Holder's Wedding

Untitled Film of Geoffrey Holder's Wedding

1955

Director

Reflections on Black

Reflections on Black

1955

Director

Centuries of June

Centuries of June

1955

Director

In Between

In Between

1955

Director

The Extraordinary Child

The Extraordinary Child

1954

Director

The Way to Shadow Garden

The Way to Shadow Garden

1954

Director

Desistfilm

Desistfilm

1954

Director

The Boy and the Sea

The Boy and the Sea

1953

Director

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

1953

Director

Interim

Interim

1952

Director

Visions in Meditation

Visions in Meditation

Director

Arabic Numeral Series

Arabic Numeral Series

Director

Persian Series

Persian Series

Director

Persian Series 1-5

Persian Series 1-5

Director

Songs

Songs

Director

Acting67

Brakhage on Brakhage

Brakhage on Brakhage

2025

Self

Please Leave a Message: Anthology Film Archives Voicemails Through the Ages

Please Leave a Message: Anthology Film Archives Voicemails Through the Ages

2022

Brakhage by Mothlight

Brakhage by Mothlight

2016

Self (voice)

Free Radicals: A History of Experimental Film

Free Radicals: A History of Experimental Film

2011

Himself

Cyclopean 3D: Life with a Beautiful Woman

Cyclopean 3D: Life with a Beautiful Woman

2011

For Stan

For Stan

2009

Himself

Dinner with Brakhage and Gamow

Dinner with Brakhage and Gamow

2008

Brakhage Crosses Central Park

Brakhage Crosses Central Park

2006

Self

A Visit to Stan Brakhage

A Visit to Stan Brakhage

2006

Notes on Marie Menken

Notes on Marie Menken

2006

Self (archive footage)

Preserving Cultural Traditions in a Period of Instability

Preserving Cultural Traditions in a Period of Instability

2004

Voice

A Visit to Stan Brakhage

A Visit to Stan Brakhage

2003

Himself

Sonic Youth: Koncertas Stan Brakhage Prisiminimui (April 12, 2003)

Sonic Youth: Koncertas Stan Brakhage Prisiminimui (April 12, 2003)

2003

Self (archive footage)

Keeping an Eye on Stan

Keeping an Eye on Stan

2003

Encomium

Encomium

2003

Self

Life with Stan #4: Stan Painting

Life with Stan #4: Stan Painting

2002

Stan Brakhage Exits the Cinema and Enters the Light of Day

Stan Brakhage Exits the Cinema and Enters the Light of Day

2002

Himself

In the Mirror of Maya Deren

In the Mirror of Maya Deren

2002

Himself

Vakvagany

2002

Himself

Garden Path

Garden Path

2001

As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

As I Was Moving Ahead, Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

2000

Self

Looking at Forest of Bliss

Looking at Forest of Bliss

2000

Himself

Keepers of the Frame

Keepers of the Frame

1999

Himself

Brakhage

Brakhage

1998

Self

I Met Stan Brakhage (At Moma, N.Y.C)

I Met Stan Brakhage (At Moma, N.Y.C)

1998

Birth of a Nation

Birth of a Nation

1997

Self

Stan Brakhage on Gregory Markopoulos

Stan Brakhage on Gregory Markopoulos

1997

Stan Brakhage on Jim Davis

Stan Brakhage on Jim Davis

1997

Cannibal! The Musical

Cannibal! The Musical

1996

Noon Sr.

BRAKHAGE ON BRAKHAGE

BRAKHAGE ON BRAKHAGE

1996

self

As Is Was

1995

Jonas in the Desert

Jonas in the Desert

1994

Self

Abstract Cinema

Abstract Cinema

1993

Himself

Z (Zee Not Zed)

Z (Zee Not Zed)

1993

Joseph Cornell: Worlds in a Box

Joseph Cornell: Worlds in a Box

1991

Self

Watunna

1989

Narrator

I... Dreaming

I... Dreaming

1988

Faust's Other: An Idyll

Faust's Other: An Idyll

1988

Doodlin': Impressions Of Len Lye

Doodlin': Impressions Of Len Lye

1987

Self

Invocation: Maya Deren

Invocation: Maya Deren

1986

Himself

Reflecting Thought: Stan Brakhage

Reflecting Thought: Stan Brakhage

1985

Self

Tortured Dust

Tortured Dust

1984

Stan & Jane Brakhage

Stan & Jane Brakhage

1981

Self

Grand Opera: An Historical Romance

Grand Opera: An Historical Romance

1979

Himself (voice)

The Stars Are Beautiful

The Stars Are Beautiful

1974

Narrator (voice)

Notes on the Buffalo Conference: “Autobiography in American Independent Cinema”

Notes on the Buffalo Conference: “Autobiography in American Independent Cinema”

1973

Screening Room

Screening Room

1972

Himself

Reality's Invisible

Reality's Invisible

1972

Self

Filmmakers

Filmmakers

1969

Himself

Legendary Epics Yarns and Fables Part 2: Stan Brakhage

Legendary Epics Yarns and Fables Part 2: Stan Brakhage

1969

Himself

Diaries, Notes, and Sketches

Diaries, Notes, and Sketches

1968

Self

The Art of Vision

The Art of Vision

1965

Man

Dog Star Man

1965

Dog Star Man: Part IV

Dog Star Man: Part IV

1964

Dog Star Man: Part III

Dog Star Man: Part III

1964

Dog Star Man: Part II

Dog Star Man: Part II

1964

Song 1

Song 1

1964

Dog Star Man: Part I

Dog Star Man: Part I

1963

Prelude: Dog Star Man

Prelude: Dog Star Man

1962

Window Water Baby Moving

Window Water Baby Moving

1959

Self (uncredited)

Wedlock House: An Intercourse

Wedlock House: An Intercourse

1959

Cat's Cradle

Cat's Cradle

1959

Self

Flesh of Morning

Flesh of Morning

1956

Trumpit

Trumpit

1956

The One Romantic Venture of Edward

The One Romantic Venture of Edward

1956

The Extraordinary Child

The Extraordinary Child

1954

Songs

Songs

Self (Uncredited)

Crew24

Drawings by Billy and His Friends

Drawings by Billy and His Friends

2011

In Memory Of

Sweetgrass

Sweetgrass

2009

Thanks

The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg

The Life and Times of Allen Ginsberg

1994

Thanks

Thot-Fal'N

Thot-Fal'N

1978

Cinematography

Trio

Trio

1976

Cinematography

The Stars Are Beautiful

The Stars Are Beautiful

1974

Cinematography

23rd Psalm Branch: Part II

23rd Psalm Branch: Part II

1967

Cinematography

The Art of Vision

The Art of Vision

1965

Cinematography

Song 5

Song 5

1964

Cinematography

Song 1

Song 1

1964

Cinematography

Blue Moses

Blue Moses

1962

Cinematography

Thigh Line Lyre Triangular

Thigh Line Lyre Triangular

1961

Cinematography

Ballad of the Colorado Ute

Ballad of the Colorado Ute

1961

Cinematography

Colorado Legend

Colorado Legend

1960

Cinematography

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

1959

Cinematography

The Wonder Ring

The Wonder Ring

1955

Cinematography

Reflections on Black

Reflections on Black

1955

Cinematography

In Between

In Between

1955

Cinematography

The Extraordinary Child

The Extraordinary Child

1954

Cinematography

The Way to Shadow Garden

The Way to Shadow Garden

1954

Cinematography

Desistfilm

Desistfilm

1954

Cinematography

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

1953

Cinematography

Interim

Interim

1952

Cinematography

Songs

Songs

Cinematography

Editing24

Jane

Jane

1985

Editor

Thot-Fal'N

Thot-Fal'N

1978

Editor

The Stars Are Beautiful

The Stars Are Beautiful

1974

Editor

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

1972

Editor

23rd Psalm Branch: Part II

23rd Psalm Branch: Part II

1967

Editor

The Art of Vision

The Art of Vision

1965

Editor

Dog Star Man

1965

Editor

Song 1

Song 1

1964

Editor

Song 5

Song 5

1964

Editor

Blue Moses

Blue Moses

1962

Editor

Mr. Tompkins Inside Himself

Mr. Tompkins Inside Himself

1962

Editor

Thigh Line Lyre Triangular

Thigh Line Lyre Triangular

1961

Editor

Ballad of the Colorado Ute

Ballad of the Colorado Ute

1961

Editor

Colorado Legend

Colorado Legend

1960

Editor

Window Water Baby Moving

Window Water Baby Moving

1959

Editor

The Wonder Ring

The Wonder Ring

1955

Editor

Reflections on Black

Reflections on Black

1955

Editor

In Between

In Between

1955

Editor

The Extraordinary Child

The Extraordinary Child

1954

Editor

The Way to Shadow Garden

The Way to Shadow Garden

1954

Editor

Desistfilm

Desistfilm

1954

Editor

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

1953

Editor

Interim

Interim

1952

Editor

Songs

Songs

Editor

Writing13

The Stars Are Beautiful

The Stars Are Beautiful

1974

Writer

Eye Myth Educational

Eye Myth Educational

1972

Writer

Dog Star Man

1965

Writer

Blue Moses

Blue Moses

1962

Writer

Mr. Tompkins Inside Himself

Mr. Tompkins Inside Himself

1962

Writer

Reflections on Black

Reflections on Black

1955

Writer

In Between

In Between

1955

Writer

The Extraordinary Child

The Extraordinary Child

1954

Writer

The Way to Shadow Garden

The Way to Shadow Garden

1954

Writer

Desistfilm

Desistfilm

1954

Writer

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

Unglassed Windows Cast a Terrible Reflection

1953

Writer

Interim

Interim

1952

Writer

Songs

Songs

Writer

Camera7

Jane

Jane

1985

Director of Photography

The Text of Light

The Text of Light

1974

Director of Photography

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

The Act of Seeing with One's Own Eyes

1972

Director of Photography

Nuptiae

1969

Director of Photography

Dog Star Man

1965

Director of Photography

Colorado Legend

Colorado Legend

1960

Director of Photography

Window Water Baby Moving

Window Water Baby Moving

1959

Director of Photography

Production1

The Art of Vision

The Art of Vision

1965

Producer

Sound1

The Way to Shadow Garden

The Way to Shadow Garden

1954

Sound Designer

Visual Effects1

Derealization

Derealization

2025

Visual Effects