
Optic Nerve
Synopsis
"Barbara Hammer's Optic Nerve is a powerful personal reflection on family and aging. Hammer employs filmed footage which, through optical printing and editing, is layered and manipulated to create a compelling meditation on her visit to her grandmother in a nursing home. The sense of sight becomes a constantly evolving process of reseeing images retrieved from the past and fused into the eternal present of the projected image. Hammer has lent a new voice to the long tradition of personal meditation in the avant-garde of the American independent cinema." -- John Hanhardt, Biennial Exhibition Catalogue, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, 1987
Release History & Theatrical Window
Macao International Queer Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
January 1, 1985
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Barbara Hammer
- Original Title
- Optic Nerve
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 16m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Barbara Hammer
Department Leadership Roster
Barbara Hammer
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Optic Nerve.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Optic Nerve.
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500 best 85's movies
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Frequently Asked Questions About Optic Nerve
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Optic Nerve about?
"Barbara Hammer's Optic Nerve is a powerful personal reflection on family and aging. Hammer employs filmed footage which, through optical printing and editing, is layered and manipulated to create a compelling meditation on her visit to her grandmother in a nursing home. The sense of sight becomes a constantly evolving process of reseeing images retrieved from the past and fused into the eternal present of the projected image. Hammer has lent a new voice to the long tradition of personal meditation in the avant-garde of the American independent cinema." -- John Hanhardt, Biennial Exhibition Catalogue, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, 1987
Who directed Optic Nerve?
Optic Nerve was directed by Barbara Hammer.
Who stars in Optic Nerve?
The principal cast of Optic Nerve includes Not specified.
When was Optic Nerve released and how long is it?
Optic Nerve was released in 1985 with a total runtime of 16m.

















