Wooden Lullaby

About This Movie

Wooden Lullaby is this intriguing little black and white gem from 1956, a UCLA student film that lingers in the mind. It’s got a dream-like quality, focusing on a wooden horse that seems to witness the late-night chaos of a mother rousing her son. The pacing is deliberately slow, allowing the atmosphere to build, and it really plays into themes of childhood and the surreal nature of parental duty. You can see some clever practical effects that enhance the storytelling, making it feel unique among student works of the time. Tom DeSimone, who went on to make a name in adult films, injects a certain rawness that feels honest and unrefined, yet strangely poignant.

Wooden Lullaby is preserved by the UCLA Film and Television Archive, making it a rare find for collectors due to its limited original distribution. It's a fascinating piece of early student cinema that reflects the artistic experimentation of the time. The film's scarcity and the unique background of its director, Tom DeSimone, add layers of interest for those who appreciate the evolution of filmmakers from experimental roots to mainstream ventures.