The Extraordinary Child 1954
Stan Brakhage's *The Extraordinary Child (1954)* is a playful 13-minute comedy that showcases the director's early foray into slapstick with a twist.
Director: Stan Brakhage
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Extraordinary Child (1954) about?
*The Extraordinary Child* is a short comedy about a giant baby who steals his father's cigars, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and physical gags. The film blends slapstick humor with a touch of artistic rebellion, as the oversized infant's antics mirror the Romantic notion of the artist as a disruptive outsider.
Who directed The Extraordinary Child?
Stan Brakhage directed *The Extraordinary Child*. Known for his avant-garde work, this early short film showcases his playful side before he delved deeper into experimental cinema.
Who stars in The Extraordinary Child?
The film features Robert Benson, Stan Brakhage, Yvonne Fair, Lawrence Jordan, and Walter Newcomb in a cast of friends and collaborators.
Is The Extraordinary Child (1954) worth watching?
As a 13-minute comedy from a visionary director, *The Extraordinary Child* offers a fun, fast-paced glimpse into Stan Brakhage's early style. While not as abstract as his later work, its slapstick charm and self-aware humor make it a delightful curiosity for fans of classic or experimental film.
How long is The Extraordinary Child?
The runtime of *The Extraordinary Child* is 13 minutes.
About The Extraordinary Child (1954) — A 13-Minute Comedy Classic by Stan Brakhage
Stan Brakhage's *The Extraordinary Child (1954)* is a playful 13-minute comedy that showcases the director's early foray into slapstick with a twist. Featuring Brakhage himself alongside Robert Benson and Yvonne Fair, the film follows the absurd antics of an oversized infant who absconds with his father's cigars, turning the household into a stage for chaotic, exaggerated humor. Brakhage's experimental yet accessible style shines through in the exaggerated performances, blending the Romantic idea of the artist as a rebellious misfit with a self-aware parody of such tropes. The result is a frenetic, visually inventive short that balances farce with a hint of artistic rebellion, all wrapped in a lighthearted romp.
This early work by Brakhage captures the playful spirit of mid-century avant-garde cinema, where humor and subversion collide. The film's atmosphere is one of unbridled silliness, punctuated by the cast's over-the-top mugging and physical comedy, making it a standout in the director's filmography. While rooted in the experimental tradition, *The Extraordinary Child* remains approachable, offering a glimpse into Brakhage's evolving vision before he fully embraced his more abstract cinematic explorations.