Watch As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty

As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty is a documentary film by avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas. The film is a visual diary that chronicles Mekas' life and experiences from 1949 to 1999. The title is a reference to Mekas' observation of life - that it is a continuous movement with occasional glimpses of beauty.

The film is divided into three parts, each covering different periods of Mekas' life. The first part covers the years 1949-1960, during which Mekas emigrated from Europe to the United States and began creating experimental films. The second part covers the years 1964-1974 and features Mekas' family and friends, including fellow filmmakers such as Andy Warhol and Kenneth Anger. The third and final part covers the years 1975-1999 and features Mekas' travels, including trips to Lithuania, Italy, and England.

The film's footage consists of home movies, diary entries, and personal interviews with Mekas' family and friends. The film is unstructured, without a clear narrative or plot. Instead, it is a collage of moments and memories, captured on film and edited together in a stream of consciousness style.

As the film progresses, viewers get a sense of Mekas' personality and his artistic vision. Mekas is an introspective and thoughtful person, who is deeply connected to his surroundings. He is drawn to the subtle beauty in the world, and his films capture those fleeting moments in time.

The film is a tribute to the art of cinema and the power of memory. Mekas' use of home movies and personal footage blurs the line between public and private, creating a sense of intimacy rarely seen in documentary films. The footage is raw and unedited, captured in the moment and without any pretense.

Throughout the film, Mekas includes excerpts from other films and works of art, commenting on his influences and providing a glimpse into his creative process. This meta-element adds another layer to the film, making it not only a personal diary but also a commentary on the state of art and culture in the 20th century.

The film is not without its flaws, however. At times, the lack of structure and narrative can be disorienting. And although the film captures moments of beauty, it can also be mundane and repetitive.

Nevertheless, As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty is a powerful and moving film that challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with time, memory, and art. Mekas' vision of the world is both unique and universal, reminding us of the beauty that surrounds us - if only we take the time to see it.

The film features interviews with other significant artists and filmmakers, including Stan Brakhage and his wife Jane Brakhage. The Brakhages are part of Mekas' circle of artistic friends, and their inclusion adds another layer of depth to the film.

As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty is a remarkable film that defies categorization. It is a visual diary, a meditation on life, and a love letter to cinema. Mekas' vision is both personal and universal, capturing the essence of the human experience in all its beauty and complexity. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the art of cinema and the power of memory.