Webbs (1976)
An early short by Bette Gordon, quietly observing a late-night Wisconsin diner through a single, unwavering camera eye.
Webbs - Movie Information
- Original Title: Webbs
- Release Year: 1976
- Directed by: Bette Gordon
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 11m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1976 (United States)
Webbs - Plot
This recently unearthed and newly digitized work is a richly minimalist, single-camera-setup portrait of the sights and sounds at a late-night diner in Madison, WI.
Webbs - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bette Gordon
Webbs - FAQs
Who directed the short film Webbs?
Webbs was directed by Bette Gordon, an American avant-garde and independent filmmaker. Gordon is known for her experimental approach to cinema and later gained wider recognition with her 1984 feature Variety. Webbs represents an early example of her minimalist observational style.
What is Webbs (1976) about?
Webbs is a short experimental film that uses a single fixed camera to document the atmosphere of a late-night diner in Madison, Wisconsin. The film focuses on the ambient sights and sounds of the space, creating a meditative, observational portrait of an everyday American setting.
How long is the film Webbs?
Webbs has a runtime of approximately 11 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief duration, the work delivers a concentrated and atmospheric experience through its minimalist single-camera approach, prioritizing mood and texture over conventional narrative structure.
When was Webbs released?
Webbs was released on January 1, 1976, in the United States. The film was recently unearthed and newly digitized, bringing renewed attention to this early work from director Bette Gordon and making it accessible to contemporary audiences interested in experimental and avant-garde cinema.
What language is Webbs filmed in?
Webbs is an English-language film. Given its observational, single-camera approach focused on the ambient environment of a late-night diner, dialogue is not a central element. The film instead foregrounds the natural sounds and visual textures of the setting.
Is Webbs part of an experimental film tradition?
Yes, Webbs fits squarely within the American avant-garde and structural film tradition of the 1970s. Its single fixed camera setup and observational focus on an everyday environment echo the work of filmmakers like Andy Warhol and Chantal Akerman, prioritizing duration and perception over dramatic narrative.
What makes Webbs significant as a rediscovered film?
Webbs is notable as a recently unearthed and newly digitized early work by Bette Gordon, offering scholars and cinephiles a rare glimpse into her formative artistic period. Its preservation and digitization highlight ongoing efforts to recover overlooked works from women filmmakers active in experimental cinema during the 1970s.
What films are similar to Webbs?
Viewers who appreciate Webbs may also enjoy Microcosmos (1996), Strange Colours (2018), and Good Favour (2018), all of which share an observational or atmospheric sensibility. Orlando (1992) and Dear Etranger (2017) are also recommended for audiences drawn to contemplative, visually focused filmmaking.
More About Webbs
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