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Cannot Not Exist poster
7.0 / 10(1 votes)IMDb19948mUnited States of America

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

Theatrical Premiere

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

Director

Stan Brakhage

Department Leadership Roster

Stan Brakhage

Stan Brakhage

Director

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.