Not a Pretty Picture
Schedule
Overview
Blurring the line between documentary and storytelling, Coolidge’s compelling meta-narrative examines her own sexual assault by a high-school classmate. Coolidge enlists actors to recreate the circumstances surrounding her rape and interviews her former roommate to illuminate the consequences and complexities of its aftermath.
* Restored by the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation. Funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Fondation.
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Review
Martha Coolidge’s Not a Pretty Picture (1975) demonstrates that past films can be more helpful in understanding the present at times. This film combines drama and documentary to depict violence against women and how society deals with that violence. This film, which has been difficult to access despite its unique originality, addresses the ongoing issue of date rape, for which there still seems to be no clear solution. Because of her extensive career spanning Hollywood films and TV series, we almost forget that her career in film began with documentaries. It is very fortunate that we have the great opportunity to introduce her debut film to a new audience, thanks to the Academy Film Archive’s restoration efforts, which weren’t just about preserving a film of artistic value but also about prompting reflection on issues through today’s sensitivities. Director Martha Coolidge employs every aspect of the film language to craft a piece as original and sensitive as the topic it tackles. (Sung MOON)
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Credit
- DirectorMartha COOLIDGE
- ProducerMartha COOLIDGE, Jan SAUNDERS
- ScreenplayMartha COOLIDGE
- CinematographyDon LENZER, Fred MURPHY
- GafferNancy SCHREIBER
- MusicTom GRIFFITH
- EditorSuzanne PETTIT, Martha COOLIDGE
- SoundMaryte KAVALIAUSKAS
- CastMichele MANENTI, Jim CARRINGTON, Anne MUNDSTUK, John FEDINATZ
Film Source
Martha Coolidge⎜PebbleEnt@gmail.com
Director
Martha COOLIDGE
Born in New Haven, USA, 1946. Martha Coolidge has directed 25 feature films, plus extensive work in television & documentary.
