Cannot Exist
Synopsis
The hand-painting of this film is interrupted by, and interspersed with, a geometrically structured Mask of Death (one of those frightening human idea-shapes of dying) immediately caught-up in threads of streaming, polarized crystals of Light (elaborately step-printed, with simultaneous frame-to-frame dissolves and printer "pull-backs" creating an effect as if the room in which the film is being viewed was inhaling viscous strands of Life's chemical material). The blurred photo-image of a person appears briefly superimposed on these "streamings": then there is a short visual "exhale" of this "crystallized" light, as the screen appears to re-absorb its imagery and resolve itself into a pale violet scattering of dust, is it? ... a nebulae, perhaps – i. e., some semblance both earthly and cosmic and (as such) as enigmatic as "the face of God." Collaboration with Sam Bush.
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1994
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Stan Brakhage
- Original Title
- Cannot Exist
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Stan Brakhage
Department Leadership Roster
Stan Brakhage
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Cannot Exist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cannot Exist
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Cannot Exist about?
The hand-painting of this film is interrupted by, and interspersed with, a geometrically structured Mask of Death (one of those frightening human idea-shapes of dying) immediately caught-up in threads of streaming, polarized crystals of Light (elaborately step-printed, with simultaneous frame-to-frame dissolves and printer "pull-backs" creating an effect as if the room in which the film is being viewed was inhaling viscous strands of Life's chemical material). The blurred photo-image of a person appears briefly superimposed on these "streamings": then there is a short visual "exhale" of this "crystallized" light, as the screen appears to re-absorb its imagery and resolve itself into a pale violet scattering of dust, is it? ... a nebulae, perhaps – i. e., some semblance both earthly and cosmic and (as such) as enigmatic as "the face of God." Collaboration with Sam Bush.
Who directed Cannot Exist?
Cannot Exist was directed by Stan Brakhage.
Who stars in Cannot Exist?
The principal cast of Cannot Exist includes Not specified.
When was Cannot Exist released and how long is it?
Cannot Exist was released in 1994 with a total runtime of 2m.