Jane Brakhage (1975)
A nine-minute 16mm portrait by Barbara Hammer that reclaims the voice and vitality of Jane Wodening from the margins of her husband's cinema.
Jane Brakhage - Movie Information
- Original Title: Jane Brakhage
- Release Year: 1975
- Directed by: Barbara Hammer
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 9m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1975 (United States)
Jane Brakhage - Plot
"I picked up Stan and Jane Brakhage at the airport and drove them to San Francisco State College where Stan spoke about his films to the student body. I was fascinated with Jane. She was so interested in the world around her while Stan seemed caught up only in his ideas. She picked seed pods from trees and plants and told me she had written a lexicon of dog language. She was so much more complex than Stan's portrayal of her in Window Water Baby Moving (1958) that I decided to make a documentary about her for my graduate project." — Barbara Hammer 16mm film, Color/Sound
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Jane Brakhage - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Barbara Hammer
Main Cast
- Jane Wodening
Jane Brakhage - FAQs
What is Jane Brakhage about?
Jane Brakhage is a short documentary by Barbara Hammer that turns the camera on Jane Wodening, wife of experimental filmmaker Stan Brakhage. Hammer was struck by Jane's curiosity and depth — collecting seed pods, compiling a lexicon of dog language — and wanted to offer a richer portrait than Stan's films had provided.
Why did Barbara Hammer make this film?
Hammer made Jane Brakhage as her graduate project after driving Stan and Jane to a lecture at San Francisco State College. She was captivated by Jane's engagement with the world around her — a vitality she felt was missing from Stan's depiction of Jane in Window Water Baby Moving (1958).
How does Jane Brakhage differ from Stan's portrayal?
In Stan Brakhage's Window Water Baby Moving (1958), Jane appears primarily as a subject — a body giving birth. Hammer's film reclaims Jane's voice and intellect, showing her as an observant, curious, and complex individual with her own rich inner life and relationship to the natural world.
Where can you watch Jane Brakhage?
You can find viewing options for Jane Brakhage on JustWatch, which lists available streaming, rental, and purchase platforms in your region. Given its status as a rare short experimental film, availability may be limited, so checking JustWatch is the best way to find current options.
Who is Jane Wodening and why does she matter?
Jane Wodening — born Jane Collom — was a writer, poet, and naturalist who was married to Stan Brakhage for many years. She authored her own creative works and maintained a deep connection to language and the natural world, making her a fascinating subject well beyond her role in Stan's films.
How long is Jane Brakhage?
Jane Brakhage runs just 9 minutes. It's a short film — shot on 16mm color with sound — but its brevity is part of its power. Hammer distills a vivid, intimate impression of Jane Wodening's personality and presence into a compact, quietly revelatory portrait.
Is Jane Brakhage considered an important feminist film?
Yes, Jane Brakhage is widely regarded as a key early work in feminist experimental cinema. Barbara Hammer consciously repositioned a woman who had been seen through a male filmmaker's lens, asserting Jane's subjectivity and complexity. It's a foundational gesture in Hammer's broader project of centering women's experiences on screen.
What are some films similar to Jane Brakhage?
If Jane Brakhage appeals to you, explore other intimate documentary portraits like Cameraperson (2016) by Kirsten Johnson or RBG (2018). Nothing Like a Dame (2018) and To Be Takei (2014) also offer warm, personal looks at remarkable individuals, sharing that same spirit of curiosity and close observation.
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