Cast
View All
Jonas Mekas
as himself
Agnès Varda
as herself
Harun Farocki
as Himself
Birgit Hein
as Herself
Jean-Jacques Lebel
as Himself
Boris Lehman
as Himself
Eric de Kuyper
as Himself
Roland Lethem
as Himself
Werner Nekes
as Himself
Godfried-Willem Raes
as Himself
Michael Snow
as Himself
Robert Stéphane
as Himself
Jaques Ledoux
as Himself (archive)
Gabrielle Claes
as Herself
Peter Kubelka
as himself
Crew
Director
- Brecht Debackere
Producer
- Steven Dhoedt
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
EXPRMNTL represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Brecht Debackere brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of EXPRMNTL took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 65 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 91 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While EXPRMNTL shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Let Us Persevere in What We Have Resolved Before We Forget, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, EXPRMNTL subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Einstein on the Beach: The Changing Image of Opera and Berlin: Symphony of a Great City explore similar territory, EXPRMNTL stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 8, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 5m
