MoMA Spotlight: Recent Films by Jay Rosenblatt

Beginning last night and every night for the next five days, you can view a collection of short films from director Jay Rosenblatt, made between 2001 and 2009, at the Museum of Modern Art. This stirring arrangement of effective narration, found footage, and interviews is harrowing and thought-provoking, in films ranging from three minutes to twenty-eight minutes long. The shorter films are more fleeting and present only a few quick ideas, while the longer entries have the chance to really develop their own tone and achieve a remarkable amount of analysis and contemplation in such a brief period of time. The most moving for me personally is “Phantom Limb,” made by Rosenblatt in 2005, which explores stages of grief through meaningful imagery and sorrowful narration. The editing is truly commendable in all of Rosenblatt’s films, and for the most part, are completely captivating and utterly devastating. Included in the program is a brief biography of the Anita Bryant, whose hateful anti-gay crusade stings all the more considering the recent wave of suicides around the country. “The Darkness of Day,” Rosenblatt’s latest film, takes suicide as its subject, and it’s a fascinating exploration of emotions, thoughts, and consequences. This program is highly recommended, and you can find out more information on the MOMA screenings this week here and on Rosenblatt’s films here.