Watch Lost Lost Lost

Lost Lost Lost is a mesmerizing and experimental documentary film directed by filmmaker, poet, and artist Jonas Mekas. The film is a compilation of footage shot during the 1960s and 1970s, which captures a moment in American history that was plagued with war, political struggles, and social changes. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Vietnam War protests, the film presents a unique perspective on a time of unrest and radical change.

The film primarily features the life of two friends, Peter Beard and Ed Emshwiller, who were artists and filmmakers, and Jonas Mekas himself. It showcases their travels, their parties, and their artistic pursuits, all interwoven with the broader socio-political climate of the era. The film acts as a time capsule of sorts, an encapsulation of a tumultuous period in American history.

The footage in the documentary ranges from intimate interactions between friends to momentous events such as the Woodstock festival, the Stonewall riot, and the Richard Nixon impeachment hearings. The film captures the spirit of the era and presents it through a personal and emotional lens. The ordinary is mixed with the grandiose, and the effect is a visual symphony of chaos and beauty.

Some of the most memorable moments in the film are when the camera captures the everyday interactions between the friends. The mundane, the personal, and the raw emotion provide a glimpse into the life of artists at a time of great political and social upheaval. The personalities of the friends are distinct and complementary, adding various layers and textures to the film. Their authenticity and sincerity make the viewer feel like they are part of their world.

The pace of the film is meandering, with no clear beginning or end. It moves swiftly from one moment to another, disrupting the viewer's expectations of a typical narrative. This formal experiment creates a sense of being thrown into the world of the filmmakers, requiring an active engagement from the viewer. The film might feel chaotic to some, but it is a product of its time, reflecting the mood of a generation that was grappling with change and seeking new artistic and ideological expressions.

The film is a visual feast that combines superimpositions, split screens, double exposures, and other experimental techniques. These techniques highlight the themes of entropy, decay, and the transitory nature of existence. They also add layers of meaning to the film, emphasizing the process of creating art and capturing life through the lens of the camera. The film is alive, dynamic, and pulsating - a testament to the sense of possibility that existed in the counterculture movement of the time.

Finally, Lost Lost Lost is a poetical meditation on the human condition. It is a film that captures the beauty and the absurdity of life, the connection between the individual and the collective, and the struggle for self-expression and freedom. The film feels universal and timeless in its theme but also rooted in a specific time and place. As Mekas himself stated, "the past is as real as the present in these films, and the present is as unreal as the past."

In conclusion, Lost Lost Lost is a groundbreaking and unforgettable film that pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. It offers a unique perspective on a volatile period in American history, and it does so with heart, humor, and honesty.

Lost Lost Lost is a 1976 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.