Testament
Synopsis
"TESTAMENT is James Broughton's exquisite self-portrait. A major figure in avant-garde filmmaking and poetry since the 1940s, Broughton views his life and life's work with irony, charm, humor, and a combination of joyous self-love and gentle self-depreciation. Scenes from his earlier films mix the elements of humor, magic, slapstick, melodrama, and romance which mark his aesthetic. A plethora of rich personal symbols is woven throughout the film, tied together by verbal games, Zen poems, anecdotes, songs, a child's prayer, dreams, and visions." - Karen Cooper "James Broughton's TESTAMENT is one of the most remarkable films ever produced within the American independent cinema. It is the most moving and most sublimely detached of the recent trend of filmic autobiographies - by Jerome Hill, Jonas Mekas, and Stan Brakhage, to name only the masters, and Broughton's peers." - P. Adams Sitney "A beautiful, important, mysterious work." - Amos Vogel
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1974
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Broughton
- Original Title
- Testament
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 20m
- Production Studios
- Farallone Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Broughton
Department Leadership Roster
James Broughton
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Testament.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Testament
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Testament about?
"TESTAMENT is James Broughton's exquisite self-portrait. A major figure in avant-garde filmmaking and poetry since the 1940s, Broughton views his life and life's work with irony, charm, humor, and a combination of joyous self-love and gentle self-depreciation. Scenes from his earlier films mix the elements of humor, magic, slapstick, melodrama, and romance which mark his aesthetic. A plethora of rich personal symbols is woven throughout the film, tied together by verbal games, Zen poems, anecdotes, songs, a child's prayer, dreams, and visions." - Karen Cooper "James Broughton's TESTAMENT is one of the most remarkable films ever produced within the American independent cinema. It is the most moving and most sublimely detached of the recent trend of filmic autobiographies - by Jerome Hill, Jonas Mekas, and Stan Brakhage, to name only the masters, and Broughton's peers." - P. Adams Sitney "A beautiful, important, mysterious work." - Amos Vogel
Who directed Testament?
Testament was directed by James Broughton.
Who stars in Testament?
The principal cast of Testament includes James Broughton.
When was Testament released and how long is it?
Testament was released in 1974 with a total runtime of 20m.