I must say I had very little anticipation for "Anticipation of the Night", but not even these really low expectations were fulfilled. This is one of the earliest works by American filmmaker Stan Brakhage and at over 40 minutes certainly also one of his longest films. Unfortunately, it is really quantity over quality (for his standards) as it felt like this film would never end, even at such a relatively short runtime. I did not think this was a remotely interesting or memorable watch. And I was very bored throughout the film. It baffles me to see people give this one a perfect 10/10 rating. Is it really on par with the likes of "The Godfather". Who cares it does not have characters or a plot. Highly not recommended.
3 Reviews
a stunning memory-in-progress
nataloff5 March 2006
"Anticipation of the Night" is a memory piece set in the present tense. It is best described -- I think by the filmmaker, for I saw this work when it was new -- as "the day's events as recalled by an infant who is, as yet, unable to organize his thoughts." Thus we are shown not only a series of concrete shots of activities that the kid has just been through, but also a number of recurring abstract images that he cannot quite put into context because he doesn't have a sense of time. One goes into a trance while watching it and, amazingly, the film takes hold only when it's over when the viewer tries to sort it out -- exactly as the child has done as it anticipates the night. (See also Jim Shedden's intimate profile of Stan Brakhage in the 1998 documentary "Brakhage").
How to watch the film?
buthainalnasiri11 March 2022
Where to watch the full movie? I have not been able to see it.
If there is a site that show the full movie, please, add the link. I am new here and do not know how to make use of your website. Thank you for help.
I am studying film direction and read about Bradkhage and would like to see one of his movies, esp. Anticipation of the Night.
If there is a site that show the full movie, please, add the link. I am new here and do not know how to make use of your website. Thank you for help.
I am studying film direction and read about Bradkhage and would like to see one of his movies, esp. Anticipation of the Night.
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