Plumb Line

About This Movie

So, ‘Plumb Line’ is this fascinating dive into the disintegration of a relationship, mostly through creative visual and sound experimentation. Schneemann's approach is really intriguing; she takes the actions of the lovers and fractures them, layering them into this chaotic montage. You see 8 mm footage that’s been converted to 16 mm, which adds this strange texture and tension. The freezing and re-dissolving of images create a disorienting effect that mirrors the emotional unraveling. And then, of course, there's that climactic moment when the film literally bursts into flames. It feels raw, almost like an avant-garde exploration of love’s complexities. Definitely not your standard love story.

‘Plumb Line’ is a rare gem in the realm of experimental cinema, with limited physical releases making it a sought-after piece among collectors. Its unique blend of 8 mm and 16 mm formats, along with the radical editing techniques, often leads to discussions about its preservation and historical context. While availability can be tricky, anyone with an interest in avant-garde film will find the journey into its themes and technical choices rewarding.