Straight Line (Stevens Duke)

About This Movie

Straight Line is a fascinating piece of structuralist cinema. It’s intriguing how Gotovac dedicates this film to jazz legend Duke Ellington and director George Stevens, creating a layered homage. The overall atmosphere is almost hypnotic, with the camera's fixed position on a moving streetcar capturing the urban pulse of the landscape. There’s something about the pacing that invites reflection, as the mundane becomes art. The practical effects are minimal yet effective, turning the everyday into a spectacle, emphasizing the beauty in the ordinary. While performances are less about acting and more about the environment, the film asks viewers to engage with the flow of the city in a way that’s both curious and contemplative.

Straight Line has a rather niche appeal in the collector community, with its structuralist approach making it a less common find. The film exists primarily in limited formats, and early prints are quite scarce, adding to its allure. Collectors often appreciate the film for its experimental nature and the way it encapsulates a specific moment in urban culture, making it a notable entry in Gotovac's trilogy.