Not a Pretty Picture. 1975. Written and directed by Martha Coolidge

Film

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Not a Pretty Picture. 1975. USA. Directed by Martha Coolidge. Courtesy the Academy Film Archive

Not a Pretty Picture. 1975. USA. Written and directed by Martha Coolidge. With Reed Birney, Jim Carrington, John Fedinatz. DCP. 4K restoration New York premiere. 83 min.

Blurring the line between documentary and storytelling, Martha 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. Hailed as “Brechtian” by critics, Not a Pretty Picture delves into the often-gendered psychology of rape, as well as Coolidge’s own struggle to understand how and why the assault occurred.

Digitally restored in 4K from original 16mm elements in 2022 by the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation. Restoration funding was provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. A Janus Films release

This film accompanies The Future of Film Is Female, Part 4.

Past events

Wed, Jun 21, 2023, 4:30 p.m.

MoMA, Floor T2/T1, Theater 2

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2
Mon, Jun 19, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Followed by a conversation with Martha Coolidge

MoMA, Floor T2/T1, Theater 2

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2

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