Turtle

About This Movie

Turtle is this intriguing oddity from 1969, a little glimpse into the psyche of a young woman grappling with her own inner turmoil while navigating dorm life. It's got this raw, almost hypnotic pacing that pulls you in; you can feel the weight of each emotion. The practical effects are minimal but serve the mood effectively, adding to its haunting quality. The performances, though not polished, carry a genuine sense of vulnerability, which makes the tragicomic elements land with a certain resonance. You really sense the intimacy of its creation, made in the dark corners of a Tufts University dormitory, which gives it that unique outsider perspective. Overall, it's a film that feels both personal and oddly universal.

Turtle remains a bit of an underground gem, with very few copies floating around, making it a curiosity for collectors. There's something about its handmade feel that adds to its allure, and the connection to a specific time and place in women's collegiate life is pretty compelling. As for formats, I’ve seen it only on some obscure VHS releases, which are hard to come by these days. Collector interest is definitely there, especially among those who appreciate experimental cinema and the stories of women filmmakers, even if the director's identity remains a mystery.