Film Before Film (1987)

Film Before Film (1987) poster

An exhilarating and amusing encyclopedic look at the "prehistory" of cinema. Werner Nekes charts the fascination with moving pictures which led to the birth of film, covering shadow plays, peep shows, flip books, flicks, magic lanterns, lithopanes, panoramic, scrolls, colorful forms of early animation, and numerous other historical artiffices. Working with these formats, early "producers" created melodramas, comedies, -- as well as lots of pornography -- anticipating most of the forms known today. Nekes probes these colorful toys and inventions in a rich and rewarding optical experience. Film Before Film is a bewildering assault of exotic (and sometimes erotic) images and illusions.

Director: Werner Nekes
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 83 min
Release Date:

Cast

Music: Anthony Moore
Cinematography: Serge Roman, Christoph Schlingensief
Editing: Astrid Nicklaus
Production: Werner Nekes Filmproduktion
Country: Germany
Language: Deutsch
Original Language: de
More Films by Director: Werner Nekes
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Film Before Film about?
An exhilarating and amusing encyclopedic look at the "prehistory" of cinema. Werner Nekes charts the fascination with moving pictures which led to the birth of film, covering shadow plays, peep shows, flip books, flicks, magic lanterns, lithopanes, panoramic, scrolls, colorful forms of early animation, and numerous other historical artiffices. Working with these formats, early "producers" created melodramas, comedies, -- as well as lots of pornography -- anticipating most of the forms known today. Nekes probes these colorful toys and inventions in a rich and rewarding optical experience. Film Before Film is a bewildering assault of exotic (and sometimes erotic) images and illusions.
Who directed Film Before Film?
Film Before Film was directed by Werner Nekes.
Who stars in Film Before Film?
Film Before Film stars Werner Nekes.
How long is Film Before Film?
Film Before Film has a runtime of 1h 23m (83 minutes).
What genre is Film Before Film?
Film Before Film is a Documentary film.
Where was Film Before Film produced?
Film Before Film was produced in Germany.