Four Short Films
Synopsis
Contemporaneous to his best-known video works, these Super-8mm films represent Baldessari's conceptual engagement with motion picture film, pointing to the technical strengths and weaknesses of the celluloid medium relative to video, such as the superior reproduction of color, on one hand, and the difficulty of adding synchronized sound on the other. Conceived on an intimate scale (only the artist's hands are visible as he manipulates a range of objects), Baldessari's Super-8 films replace text and speech with a cunning visual language, in which he wordlessly describes physical changes in his environment: a bright light flashes on a mirrored surface, red liquid rises in a thermometer, and powdered pigment makes an indelible mess. Here Baldessari employs a method of communication that is based on spectacle rather than performance.
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1973
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Baldessari
- Original Title
- Four Short Films
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 6m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Baldessari
Department Leadership Roster
John Baldessari
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Four Short Films.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Four Short Films
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Four Short Films about?
Contemporaneous to his best-known video works, these Super-8mm films represent Baldessari's conceptual engagement with motion picture film, pointing to the technical strengths and weaknesses of the celluloid medium relative to video, such as the superior reproduction of color, on one hand, and the difficulty of adding synchronized sound on the other. Conceived on an intimate scale (only the artist's hands are visible as he manipulates a range of objects), Baldessari's Super-8 films replace text and speech with a cunning visual language, in which he wordlessly describes physical changes in his environment: a bright light flashes on a mirrored surface, red liquid rises in a thermometer, and powdered pigment makes an indelible mess. Here Baldessari employs a method of communication that is based on spectacle rather than performance.
Who directed Four Short Films?
Four Short Films was directed by John Baldessari.
Who stars in Four Short Films?
The principal cast of Four Short Films includes Not specified.
When was Four Short Films released and how long is it?
Four Short Films was released in 1973 with a total runtime of 6m.