Screen Test [ST286]: Barbara Rubin

About This Movie

Screen Test, a 1965 piece featuring Barbara Rubin, is really something else. The atmosphere is this peculiar blend of intimacy and starkness, with Rubin just hanging out against that white wall, lit dramatically from the side. The way she shifts, smokes, and gazes off, it’s like watching a raw moment captured in time, an exploration of presence and absence. It's meditative, though at times feels a bit disjointed, almost like you’re peeking into someone's private thoughts. Her smile towards the end adds this warmth that contrasts with the earlier aloofness, leaving you with a curious feeling about performance and reality. It’s an experimental gem worth contemplating.

Screen Test has always been a niche interest among collectors, mostly due to its elusive director and the experimental nature of the film. Original prints are quite rare, and many enthusiasts seek out various formats, though they’re not easy to come by. The film's abstract style invites conversation about the nature of performance and authenticity, making it a topic of interest for those who appreciate cinema's fringes.