Song 21

About This Movie

So, Song 21, huh? It’s part of Brakhage's 'Songs' cycle, which is a fascinating exploration of visual perception through the lens of closed-eye vision. The silent color 8mm format gives it this intimate, almost personal quality, making you feel like you’re experiencing the visions firsthand. The pacing is deliberate, which can be captivating yet pulls you into a trance-like state—there’s a rhythm to the shifting colors and shapes that feels very organic. You'll notice the lack of a traditional narrative, but that’s really the point; it’s about the essence of seeing and perception itself, and Brakhage really pushes those boundaries.

Song 21 is somewhat of a rarity in the collector's world, with most prints being fairly scarce. The 8mm format adds a layer of nostalgia and intimacy, which some collectors find particularly appealing. Early works from Brakhage often fluctuate in availability, but the Songs cycle has seen a resurgence in interest, especially among those who appreciate experimental cinema. Keep an eye out for various home video and archival releases, as they can be quite different in terms of quality and presentation.