Me and My Brother

Me and My Brother, released in 1969, is an avant-garde gem of underground filmmaking that features a unique blend of documentary and fiction. The film is a stunning portrayal of the countercultural movement of the 1960s, boasting an aesthetic that arguably lies somewhere between Beatnik poetry, cinema verité and experimental theatre. However, this is not your typical Hollywood film; it's an esoteric exploration of reality and illusion, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the lives of its protagonists, Julius Orlovsky and Peter Orlovsky.

The central figure in Me and My Brother is Julius Orlovsky. Julius, a patient who was dealing with schizophrenia, was a silent and enigmatic character caught in the cobwebs of mental instability. His more famous brother, Peter Orlovsky, was an actor and poet who held close relationships with prominent figures of the Beat generation, including Allen Ginsberg. The film sort of circumvents around Julius, revealing his life, psyche, and eating habits, as well as his association with his brother and the cultural landscape of the era.

The overarching narrative primarily focuses on the life of the titular brothers, but the film's unique structure also creates vignettes that offer individual perspectives. There is a semi-abstract representation of the brothers' existence – their relationships, their personal struggles, and their artistic endeavors – all set against the vibrant and volatile backdrop of 1960s counterculture.

The film, while maintaining a loose structure, employs a watchful and almost voyeuristic gaze that delves deep into the brothers' dynamic. Me and My Brother approaches this subject matter with sensitivity and tact, creating a delicate commentary on differing realities — the internal versus the external, the normal versus the different.

The film includes a talented ensemble cast comprised of Beat poets and artists such as Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, and Peter Orlovsky himself. Artfully interwoven into this biographical exploration of the Orlovsky brothers are snippets of Beat culture, including impromptu poetry readings, snippets of everyday life, and glimpses of the greater art scene that they were part of. This serves as a unique kaleidoscope into a world that very few have seen firsthand.

Adding another layer to the film, director Robert Frank also experiments with the medium of film itself. The movie plays with the dichotomy between documentary and fiction, using both real footage and scripted scenes to tell the story. This constant shifting blurs the lines and obscures the boundaries of storytelling, which not only challenges conventions but adds a level of verisimilitude to the narrative structure.

Moreover, a prominent figure in the New American Cinema, John Coe, is also featured in the film. Offering a sensational performance, Coe's role situates the narrative of Me and My Brother beyond a simplistic recounting of events. He allows Frank to fuse narrative with reality, crafting a masterful intersection of fictionalized truth and truthful fiction.

Visually, the film presents an intriguing aesthetics borrowed from the abstract impressionism of the 60s, combined with the raw power of documentary-style cinema. The loose hand-held cinematography, the jarring yet poetic editing, and the spontaneous use of music and soundscapes help to create a palpable atmosphere of unpredictability, and a raw depiction of life viewed through the Prismatic lens of mental health and arts.

To sum up, Me and My Brother is not merely a film, it’s an experience. It is a poignant exploration of mental health, brotherly bonds, and the intersection of art and life in a time and culture that was all about defying norms. It’s a visual poem that beautifully captures the essence of the Beat generation, offering glimpses into the lives of two individuals who were deeply entwined in this cultural milieu. The experimental narrative structure and the blending of fact and fiction make it a unique cinematic experience that will leave audiences contemplating long after the film ends. Its exploration of mental health, avant-garde art, and counterculture, make it a compelling snapshot of an era that continues to fascinate and intrigue.