Watch At Land

At Land is a 16-minute experimental silent film from 1944, directed by Maya Deren and featuring Deren herself in the lead role. The film also stars Alexander Hammid and the renowned composer John Cage. The film begins with a shot of the ocean, with waves crashing against the shore. We then see Deren, dressed in a formal gown, lying on the beach. She wakes up and tries to climb up a wooden pole, but falls off and is transported to a surreal world. She floats over rocks and sand, encounters mirrors, and sees herself walking down a long table in a grand hall filled with party-goers. There are also scenes of her wandering through strange landscapes, climbing over giant boulders, and navigating obstacle courses.

Throughout the film, Deren's character is constantly struggling to find a sense of place and identity in the surreal world she finds herself in. There are also themes of isolation and connection, as she encounters other people on her journey, but is unable to communicate with them.

At Land is a highly experimental film, with no discernible narrative or plot. Instead, it consists of a series of dream-like sequences that blend together to create a hypnotic, surreal experience. The film also features a number of innovative visual techniques, such as the use of mirrors to create strange, disorienting reflections, and distorted camera angles to create a sense of unease.

One of the most notable features of the film is its use of sound. Although there is no dialogue or background music, the film is filled with a rich soundscape that ranges from the sound of waves crashing against the shore to the eerie sound of a jug being blown like a musical instrument.

At Land is often seen as one of the quintessential experimental films of the era, and a significant work of avant-garde cinema. Its dream-like imagery and innovative visual techniques have influenced filmmakers and artists for decades. It is a film that requires active engagement from the viewer, encouraging them to bring their own interpretations and emotions to the experience.

Overall, At Land is a mesmerizing, enigmatic film that defies easy description. It is a haunting exploration of identity, isolation, and surrealism that continues to fascinate and captivate audiences today.

At Land is a 1944 mystery with a runtime of 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.