Me and My Brother

  • 91'
  • USA
  • 1997
The reason for screening this film again is the new version edited by Robert Frank and a brand-new print.Me and My Brother is perhaps Robert Frank's most complex film. It incorporates black & white and colour film, montage, split screen, non-synchronous sound, voice over, fractures chronology, and many other cinematic devices to tell both fictional and documentary stories. An exploration of Julius Orlovsky, the catatonic brother of poet Peter Orlovsky, the film is ostensibly about mental illness and society's reaction to it. Yet it also explores the complex relationship between cinema and truth, and raises questions about voyeurism, the parallels between acting and social behaviour, and the use of cinematic techniques to create an illusion of truth.Julius Orlovsky, after spending years in a Hospital in New York, emerges catatonic and is cared for by his brother Peter, who lives with Allen Ginsberg. Scenes of Julius at work, at home, walking around New York, and staring uncomprehendingly at dollar bills, are intercut throughout the film. Many people do not comprehend Julius' condition, and Frank also questions his role as a film-maker and his effort to understand J. and his condition. (Paul Roth)
  • 91'
  • USA
  • 1997
Director
Robert Frank
Premiere
World premiere
Countries of production
USA, Austria
Year
1997
Festival Edition
IFFR 1998
Length
91'
Medium
35mm
Language
English
Sales
Vega Film
Screenplay
Robert Frank
Cinematography
Robert Frank
Editor
Robert Frank
Director
Robert Frank
Premiere
World premiere
Countries of production
USA, Austria
Year
1997
Festival Edition
IFFR 1998
Length
91'
Medium
35mm
Language
English
Sales
Vega Film
Screenplay
Robert Frank
Cinematography
Robert Frank
Editor
Robert Frank