About Face

About This Movie

So, 'About Face' is this intriguing early short by Paul Morrissey. It features Karen Holzer, and the whole thing is just close-ups of her walking in different directions. The tone is oddly hypnotic; there’s this almost meditative quality to the way it unfolds. The pacing is slow but deliberate, allowing you to get really absorbed in the imagery. It’s not about a traditional narrative, more of an exploration of movement and the way we perceive it. The simplicity of the practical effects—just Holzer’s face and the backdrop—really adds to the atmosphere, making it distinctive in a way that’s hard to describe but definitely lingers with you.

This short film is quite rare in collector circles, with few known copies circulating. Its format history is a bit murky, but it’s generally sought after by those interested in Morrissey’s early work. The film has garnered attention for its unique approach to cinematic expression, making it a point of interest for collectors who appreciate the avant-garde. As such, it tends to come up infrequently at auctions, often fetching a decent price when it does.