Ben Franklin Dreams of His Immortal Soul

About This Movie

So, 'Ben Franklin Dreams of His Immortal Soul' is a curious piece from 1990, a three-channel video installation that dives into the mind of Franklin. It blends his musings—from research and invention to the more playful aspects like mischief and women. The atmosphere is dreamlike, almost surreal, weaving together various snippets of thought that feel both timeless and strangely modern. Pacing is less about a linear story and more about a flow of ideas; you can kind of get lost in it, which is sort of the point, I think. The visuals are intriguing, using practical effects to create a vivid landscape of Franklin's psyche. It’s really distinctive in how it approaches such a well-known historical figure, giving us a fresh lens to view him through.

This installation is somewhat niche and can be hard to find, particularly since it's more of an art piece than a traditional film. It was specifically created for a museum setting, which adds to its uniqueness but also its scarcity in collector circles. There’s a growing interest among those who appreciate experimental cinema and video art, but because it doesn’t fall into conventional categories, it can be overlooked. If you come across a copy, it’s definitely worth considering for its artistic value.