The Wonder Ring

About This Movie

So, The Wonder Ring is this fascinating piece from 1955, a documentary by Stan Brakhage, though you might know that it was commissioned by Joseph Cornell. It's intriguing how it captures the Third Avenue elevated train in New York before it was demolished. What stands out is Brakhage's approach—there's hardly any human presence, which gives it this eerie, contemplative vibe. The focus is really on the movement, the reflections in the windows, and the rhythmic clattering of the train. It’s almost hypnotic, making you feel the pulse of the city without the usual chaos of people. It’s distinct, for sure, in how it wrestles with the idea of memory and transience.

The Wonder Ring has had a somewhat limited release history, primarily existing in niche collections and specialized film festivals. Its scarcity lies in the fact that many early Brakhage works are hard to come by, making this film particularly intriguing for collectors. Interest tends to spike whenever a restoration or screening occurs, drawing attention from those who appreciate avant-garde cinema and its historical context.