Me and My Brother (film)

Last updated
Me and My Brother
Directed by Robert Frank
Written by
Produced byHelen Silverstein
Starring
Cinematography Robert Frank
Edited by
  • Bob Easton
  • Helen Silverstein
Release date
  • February 2, 1969 (1969-02-02)
Running time
91 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Me and My Brother is a 1969 independent film directed by Robert Frank. [1] The film stars Julius Orlovsky, Peter Orlovsky, John Coe, Seth Allen and Christopher Walken in his feature film debut. It is Sam Shepard's film debut. The film tells the story of Peter and Julius Orlovsky. Christopher Walken speaking with the dubbed voice of Robert Frank.

Contents

Plot

The "Me" and "My Brother" of the title are interchangeably Peter Orlovsky (a poet, and protégé and long-term lover of Allen Ginsberg), and his schizophrenic brother Julius. Peter arranges for Julius' release from Bellevue Hospital and proceeds to drag him all over the Beat landscape with a film crew in tow.

Robert Frank does yeoman work following the manic Peter and catatonic Julius from one situation to another until Julius wanders off camera and out of the picture. At this point Joseph Chaikin takes Julius' place and fills in for a time. The overall effect is fascinating, and the film has a great deal to say about what we consider normal and acceptable behaviour vs. what we consider "mad" behaviour. [2]

See also

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References

  1. Weiler, A.H. (1969-02-03). "Movie Review Screen: 'Me and My Brother' Opens: Film by Robert Frank". NY Times News. Retrieved 2018-01-04.
  2. "Robert Frank Retrospective: Me and My Brother". SFMOMA. Retrieved 2018-01-04.