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Brakhage is a documentary film that pays tribute to the life and work of one of the most significant experimental filmmakers in American history - Stan Brakhage. The film is directed by Jerry Aronson and was released in 1998. The film features an impressive lineup of notable names in the underground film community, including Jane Brakhage, Marilyn Brakhage, and James Broughton.

The movie explores the artistic legacy of Brakhage, who was known for his unique style of avant-garde filmmaking, which often focused on the visual and lyrical qualities of light, color, and movement. Through archival footage, interviews, and selected scenes from Brakhage's films, the movie offers an in-depth look at the life and art of this legendary filmmaker.

The film is structured chronologically, starting with Brakhage's early life, his childhood, and his early experiments with film in the 1950s. It also delves into his later years, where he continued to create groundbreaking work until his death in 2003.

Throughout the movie, Jerry Aronson offers insights into Brakhage's artistic process, providing a window into his mind and creative vision. He also examines the philosophical and aesthetic principles underlying Brakhage's work, which he honed over his decades-long career.

Brakhage's approach to filmmaking was to strip away the narrative elements and traditional cinematic techniques to create a more immersive sensory experience. To achieve this, he adopted techniques such as direct animation, hand-painting, and scratching directly onto the film strip, and using different kinds of lenses to create a unique visual language.

In addition to his creative technique, the documentary also explores the personal side of Brakhage. The filmmaker was known for his sharp wit, generosity, and kindness, which endeared him to many in the film community. Through interviews with friends and family members, the movie offers a window into Brakhage's personal life, including his struggles with alcoholism and his incarceration for draft evasion.

The film also showcases the influence of Brakhage's work on future generations of filmmakers, such as Jonah Sharp and George Kuchar. They offer insights into how his work led the way for the emergence of experimental cinema in the United States and abroad, and his influence entered into the mainstream of American artistic life.

Brakhage is a comprehensive and in-depth tribute to one of the most innovative, creative, and influential American filmmakers of the 20th century, Stan Brakhage. The film celebrates his life and legacy, paying homage to his unique artistic vision and the immense impact he had on the art world.

The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in experimental cinema, avant-garde filmmaking, or simply anyone who appreciates the magical power of pure visual art. Brakhage is a fitting tribute to one of the most significant artists of the modern era and is an evocative and stunningly beautiful journey into the life and work of a true cinematic visionary.

Brakhage is a 1998 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.