Glass House (2015)
A short documentary by Zoe Beloff uncovering Sergei Eisenstein's fascinating, never-realized vision for a glass-walled science fiction film.
Glass House - Movie Information
- Original Title: Glass House
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Zoe Beloff
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 21m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 3, 2015 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: The Glass House (US)
- Production Countries: United States of America
Glass House - Plot
An exploration of Soviet director Sergei Eisenstein's notes and drawings for a science fiction movie that he pitched to Paramount in 1930 about the residents of a skyscraper with walls and floors of clear glass.
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Glass House - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Zoe Beloff
Main Cast
- Jim Fletcher
- Kate Valk
Glass House - FAQs
What is Glass House about?
Glass House digs into the lost creative world of Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein, examining his sketches and notes for an unproduced sci-fi film he pitched to Paramount Pictures in 1930. The concept imagined a skyscraper built entirely of transparent glass, turning its residents' lives into an involuntary spectacle.
Who directed Glass House?
Glass House was directed by Zoe Beloff, an artist and filmmaker known for her experimental work that blends archival research with creative reimagining. The film reflects her ongoing interest in cinema history and the intersection of utopian ideas with visual storytelling.
Is Glass House based on a true story?
Yes, in a sense. Glass House is rooted in real history — it draws directly from Sergei Eisenstein's actual notes and drawings for an unfilmed science fiction project he developed around 1930. While the film is a creative interpretation, its foundation is entirely grounded in documented archival material.
Who are the main actors in Glass House?
The film features Jim Fletcher and Kate Valk, both well-regarded figures in the experimental theater world. Their performances bring Eisenstein's visionary but never-realized concept to life in a way that feels both intellectually engaging and theatrically alive.
Why did Eisenstein never make his Glass House film?
Eisenstein's Glass House project never moved forward during his 1930 Hollywood visit, largely due to creative and commercial tensions with Paramount Pictures. His ambitious, politically charged vision didn't align with studio expectations, and the project was ultimately abandoned — leaving behind only notes and sketches.
How long is Glass House?
Glass House runs for 21 minutes, making it a short documentary. Despite its brief runtime, it covers a rich and fascinating slice of cinema history, offering a thoughtful look at one of the most intriguing unmade films in early Hollywood history.
When was Glass House released?
Glass House had its release on September 3, 2015, in the United States. The film premiered in the context of experimental and documentary film circles, where Zoe Beloff's work is well recognized for its archival depth and artistic originality.
What are similar documentaries to Glass House?
If Glass House appeals to you, you might enjoy Startup.com, Gently Down the Stream, or A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution. For something more recent, Frida (2024) and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio: Handcarved Cinema (2022) also explore artistic vision and creative process in compelling ways.
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