Awareness

About This Movie

Awareness (1968) is this intriguing exploration of The Dharma that really lays bare the human experience. The tone is contemplative, almost dreamlike, with moments that linger longer than you'd expect, drawing you into its philosophical musings. The pacing is a bit erratic, but it fits the subject matter, shifting between serene visuals and more jarring imagery. It's not high on special effects, but the practical ones used really ground the film, making the ethereal concepts more relatable. You can sense the earnestness in the performances, even if the director remains a bit of a mystery. It's one of those films that leaves you thinking, which is a rarity in a lot of the more conventional cinema of the time.

Awareness has remained somewhat elusive over the years, with few prints circulating among collectors and a limited release history. Its scarcity adds to its allure, although copies in decent condition can be hard to track down. Collector interest seems to fluctuate, often tied to the film's philosophical nature and the mystery surrounding its director, which can spark discussions at screenings or collector meetups.