Skip to main content

Deep Dive: The Exquisite Corpse Project (2012)

Film Lens

The Exquisite Corpse Project
The Exquisite Corpse Project is a 2012 film directed by Ben Popik, combining comedy and documentary elements. The film features five comedy writers from the group Olde English, each tasked with writing a fifth of a movie while only having access to the previous five pages of the script. This structure mimics the Surrealist game Exquisite Corpse, where artists contribute to a piece with limited knowledge of each other's work. The film captures the comedic and often contentious interactions among the writers as they navigate this unique writing constraint. In addition to the scripted content, the film includes interviews filmed at each stage of the writing process. These interviews provide insight into the writers' thoughts and reactions, adding a layer of commentary that enhances the viewing experience. The film stars members of Olde English, including Caleb Bark and Julia Frey, and features a diverse cast of characters that contribute to the narrative.

Why Watch

  • See Caleb Bark's performance as Marc.
  • Find out how five writers create one film.
  • Meet the Olde English comedy group.

Did You Know

The film premiered at Dances With Films in June 2012.
Each writer had only one week to write their 15-page section.
The film includes interviews filmed at every stage of the writing.
The writers include Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Adam Conover.

Perfect For

Comedy writing enthusiastsFans of Olde EnglishSurrealist art lovers