Interim 1952
Stan Brakhage's *Interim (1952)* is a poetic little drama about fleeting connection and quiet disillusionment beneath a railroad bridge.
Director: Stan Brakhage
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interim (1952) about?
*Interim* tells the story of a chance meeting between a young man and woman under a railroad bridge during a rainstorm. Their brief connection—marked by a kiss—quickly fades as the man withdraws, leaving her behind. The film explores the ephemeral nature of human connection and the lingering emotions that outlast such encounters.
Who directed Interim?
Stan Brakhage directed *Interim* in 1952, marking one of his early works in a career that would later redefine experimental cinema.
Who stars in Interim?
The film stars Walter Newcomb and Janice Hubka in the lead roles.
Is Interim (1952) worth watching?
While *Interim* may not be for everyone due to its short runtime and minimalist style, it offers a unique glimpse into Stan Brakhage's early work. Its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth make it a compelling watch for fans of poetic drama and mid-century cinema, even if it doesn't conform to conventional narratives.
How long is Interim?
The runtime for *Interim* is 26 minutes.
About Interim (1952) — A Poetic Snapshot of a Fleeting Encounter
Stan Brakhage's *Interim (1952)* is a poetic little drama about fleeting connection and quiet disillusionment beneath a railroad bridge. The film follows a young man and woman who meet briefly during a rain shower, their moment of intimacy dissolving almost as quickly as it begins when the man departs in a sullen mood. Shot in a traditional cinematic style with staged performances, deliberate framing, and a soundtrack of music and sound effects, the 26-minute short captures the fragile beauty of an encounter that lingers long after it ends. Brakhage's approach here is more conventional than his later experimental work, but the atmosphere—moody, introspective, and tinged with melancholy—hints at the themes he would later explore in more radical ways. The story unfolds with minimal dialogue, relying instead on visuals and subtle emotional cues to convey the weight of what's left unsaid.
Set against the gritty backdrop of mid-century America, *Interim* is a snapshot of a time and place where even the simplest human interactions can feel loaded with unspoken tension. The film's concise runtime makes every second count, from the way the camera lingers on the characters' expressions to the quiet rhythm of their fleeting romance. It's a microcosm of how first meetings can shape our memories, leaving us to wonder what might have been had things unfolded differently.