In the form of the letter X (1985)

In the form of the letter X (1985) poster

The second film of the series Narratives of Egypt (1984-87). In the form of the letter ‘X’ is a signature – a filmic equivalent of Cartmell’s name (which is reduced by exhaustive transcription to a simple X). X is the mark of those who cannot write, or who do not know their own names. Photographed over time against a backdrop of the Canadian Shield, X shows Cartmell’s son Sam running in slow motion towards the camera, and, in the film’s second half, away from it. The shape/structure of the movie is chiasmatic, part of the old avant-garde dream of creating movies that could be run backwards and forwards. The movie is in two parts that form an X.

Director: Mike Cartmell
Runtime: 5 min
Release Date:
Country: Canada
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Mike Cartmell

Frequently Asked Questions

What is In the form of the letter X about?
The second film of the series Narratives of Egypt (1984-87). In the form of the letter ‘X’ is a signature – a filmic equivalent of Cartmell’s name (which is reduced by exhaustive transcription to a simple X). X is the mark of those who cannot write, or who do not know their own names. Photographed over time against a backdrop of the Canadian Shield, X shows Cartmell’s son Sam running in slow motion towards the camera, and, in the film’s second half, away from it. The shape/structure of the movie is chiasmatic, part of the old avant-garde dream of creating movies that could be run backwards and forwards. The movie is in two parts that form an X.
Who directed In the form of the letter X?
In the form of the letter X was directed by Mike Cartmell.
How long is In the form of the letter X?
In the form of the letter X has a runtime of 5m (5 minutes).
Where was In the form of the letter X produced?
In the form of the letter X was produced in Canada.