The Movie
1990s-present · Chicago / New York
Also known as Feature Film, Harold Movie
An improvised feature film — three painted locations, title sequence, genre conventions, and cinematic edits (jump cuts, POV shifts, montage).
Known for
- Developed by The Family under Del Close's direction at iO Chicago; one of 'The Three Mad Rituals' alongside Deconstruction and Harold.
- Matt Besser carried the form to UCB New York and built a class curriculum around it (UCB 600-level).
- Structure: silent opening paints three recurring locations with narration, one improviser 'titles' the film, then scenes rotate among locations with consistent characters.
- Genre spoof is central — noir, sports hero, musical, John Waters camp, 60s sex romp.
- Prioritizes character and genre texture over plot coherence.
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