Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Notfilm (2015)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Notfilm
Notfilm is a 2015 documentary directed by Ross Lipman that focuses on the production of Samuel Beckett's only film, an experimental short titled Film, featuring Buster Keaton. The film combines a traditional making-of documentary with an essayistic approach, examining the philosophical implications of Beckett's work. Lipman narrates the film, discussing the circumstances surrounding the production, the critical reception, and Beckett's own aversion to being filmed. The documentary includes rare audio recordings of Beckett, captured by producer Barney Rosset during a production meeting. It reconstructs a prologue thought to be lost and integrates these elements to analyze the philosophical foundation of Film, particularly as a response to George Berkeley's idea that “to be is to be perceived.” Notfilm provides insights into Beckett's complex relationship with the public eye and his artistic intentions.

Why Watch

  • •See Buster Keaton's role in Beckett's only film.
  • •Find out about the lost prologue of Beckett's Film.
  • •Meet Barney Rosset, the producer with rare audio recordings.

Did You Know

•Notfilm premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2015.
•The documentary features audio secretly recorded by Barney Rosset during a production meeting.
•Notfilm includes a prologue from Beckett's Film that was long-thought lost.
•The film was reviewed in major publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Perfect For

Samuel Beckett fansBuster Keaton enthusiastsExperimental film lovers