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John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It

John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It (1990)

This 56-minute documentary on America's most controversial and unique composer manages to cover a great many aspects of Cage's work and thought. His love for mushrooms, his Zen beliefs and use of the I Ching, and basic bio details are all explained intelligently and dynamically. Black Mountain, Buckminster Fuller, Rauschenberg, Duchamp are mentioned. Yoko Ono, John Rockwell, Laurie Anderson, Richard Kostelanetz make appearances. Fascinating performance sequences include Margaret Leng-Tan performing on prepared piano, Merce Cunningham and company, and performances of Credo In Us, Water Music, and Third Construction. Demystifies the man who made music from silence, from all sounds, from life.

Directed by Allan Miller

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Allan Miller
Writer
  • Vivian Perlis
Producer
  • Vivian Perlis

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Thematic Analysis

John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Music/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Allan Miller 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 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 55 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 77 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 922 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1990, when this film was released:
  • Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
  • The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Wandering Stars, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Mozart - Berliner Philharmoniker - Radek Baborák - Daniel Barenboim and Maestro explore similar territory, John Cage: I Have Nothing to Say and I Am Saying It stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 18, 1990
  • Runtime: 55m