In 1965, famous author and playwright Samuel Beckett released his only film. Entitled simply Film, the work proved utterly divisive – panned by some, celebrated by others – but has remained the subject of ardent criticism ever since. Involving an odd collaboration with legendary comic actor Buster Keaton (who was forced into taking the part by financial difficulties, despite understanding little of the script’s concept), Film was an eclectic chase-movie, a contemplative, existential exploration of the cinematic apparatus. Into the landscape on discussion about Film comes Notfilm, an experimental essay on the conception, production and impact, both philosophically and cinematically, of the original work. Notfilm presents many recent discoveries to the world for the first time, including some exceedingly rare recordings of Beckett’s voice, in which he discusses the making of Film with his collaborators. Lipman’s archaeological approach is combined with interviews with a range of figures, from those that knew Beckett personally as well as film historians, painting an illustrious picture of Beckett’s work and irreversibly changing the way in which it is viewed.
Harriet Clugston
The Upcoming
