Twenty Cigarettes 2011
James Benning, known for his meditative and long-take landscape films, shifts focus to human presence in Twenty Cigarettes (2011).
Director: James Benning
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twenty Cigarettes (2011) about?
The film follows 20 of director James Benning's friends as they smoke a single cigarette in uninterrupted takes. Each shot captures the quiet intimacy of the moment, blending Warholian screen-test aesthetics with a meditation on time and habit.
Who directed Twenty Cigarettes?
Twenty Cigarettes was directed by James Benning, a filmmaker celebrated for his contemplative and long-form cinematic studies.
Who stars in Twenty Cigarettes?
The film features Sompot Chidgasornpongse, Francesca Sloane, Thom Andersen, Stefan Pascher, and Blake Derrington among its cast of friends and collaborators.
Is Twenty Cigarettes (2011) worth watching?
As an artistic documentary, Twenty Cigarettes offers a unique viewing experience for fans of slow cinema and minimalist storytelling. Its 99-minute runtime demands patience, but those who appreciate contemplative filmmaking will find it rewarding.
How long is Twenty Cigarettes?
Twenty Cigarettes has a runtime of 99 minutes.
About Twenty Cigarettes (2011) — A meditative documentary of 20 souls and their smoke breaks
James Benning, known for his meditative and long-take landscape films, shifts focus to human presence in Twenty Cigarettes (2011). Inspired by Warhol's screen tests and the fleeting art of the cigarette break, the documentary captures 20 of his friends—filmmakers, theorists, and editors—each smoking a cigarette in a single, unbroken shot. The film transforms a mundane act into a study of time, stillness, and personal habit, wrapped in a subtle cinematic nostalgia.
With minimalist precision, Benning strips away distraction, letting each subject's posture, gesture, and environment speak volumes. The 99-minute runtime unfolds like a series of quiet portraits, each revealing something unspoken about its subject. Twenty Cigarettes isn't just a film about smoking; it's a reflection on presence, patience, and the art of looking.