
Cannot Not Exist
Synopsis
In this non-orange negative of a hand-painted film, a series of luminously pastel shapes – often patches of color against a stark white background – are interspersed with nearly black intermittent smudges punctuating white. These visual themes develop gradually into a series of multi-colored vertical lines which weave contrapunctally in relation to the flickering (single-frame) paint shapes. Twice, a solid (as if photographed) shape is seen receding from the amalgam of paint. Masses of tiny dots and "curlicue" shapes sometimes interrupt the thematic progression from irregular paint-shape flickerings to fluidity of vertical lines: this theme eventually resolves itself through the intervention of globular shapes (most notably, brilliant orange-yellow "globs") which spread themselves over several frames and prompt the eventual amalgamation of all themes.
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1994
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Stan Brakhage
- Original Title
- Cannot Not Exist
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 8m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Stan Brakhage
Department Leadership Roster
Stan Brakhage
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Cannot Not Exist.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cannot Not Exist
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Cannot Not Exist about?
In this non-orange negative of a hand-painted film, a series of luminously pastel shapes – often patches of color against a stark white background – are interspersed with nearly black intermittent smudges punctuating white. These visual themes develop gradually into a series of multi-colored vertical lines which weave contrapunctally in relation to the flickering (single-frame) paint shapes. Twice, a solid (as if photographed) shape is seen receding from the amalgam of paint. Masses of tiny dots and "curlicue" shapes sometimes interrupt the thematic progression from irregular paint-shape flickerings to fluidity of vertical lines: this theme eventually resolves itself through the intervention of globular shapes (most notably, brilliant orange-yellow "globs") which spread themselves over several frames and prompt the eventual amalgamation of all themes.
Who directed Cannot Not Exist?
Cannot Not Exist was directed by Stan Brakhage.
Who stars in Cannot Not Exist?
The principal cast of Cannot Not Exist includes Not specified.
When was Cannot Not Exist released and how long is it?
Cannot Not Exist was released in 1994 with a total runtime of 8m.
