Details

Release year: 1965

Storyline

A twenty-minute, almost totally silent film (no dialogue or music, save one 'shhh!') in which Buster Keaton attempts to evade observation by an all-seeing eye. But, as the film is based around Bishop Berkeley's principle 'esse est percipi' (to be is to be perceived), Keaton's very existence conspires against his efforts

Top credits

Directors

Writers

Samuel Beckett

Cast

Buster Keaton — The Man
Nell Harrison — Old Woman
James Karen — Passerby
Susan Reed — Passerby

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Did you know

• The story of making "Film" was the basis of a play "The Stone Face" by Sherry MacDonald. The play was read in Orlando at the 2006 New Playfest, and work shopped at the 2007 New Playfest.

• Filmed in New York City over 11 days in July 1964. Although he wasn't credited as co-director, author Samuel Beckett was on set every day and provided substantial input. It was his only visit to the United States.

• Since the film was shot silent, Buster Keaton encouraged director Alan Schneider to talk him through the scenes while the camera rolled, as was done in the days before talkies. Keaton didn't care much for rehearsal, preferring to keep his performance spontaneous.