Invocation: Maya Deren

This insightful documentary "invocation" of one of cinema's most intriguing figures includes excerpts from Maya Deren's amazing films; interviews with family, friends, and avant-garde fellow-travellers; photos and newspaper clippings; and sound recordings of her lectures. Along the way, it traces Deren's rather intense interest in Haitian voodoo -- including the claim, made here by The Power of Myth author Joseph Campbell, that Deren was possessed by the goddess Erzulie. Narrated by Helen Mirren, "Invocation is unusual, and pleasurable, for its sensual approach" (Pam Cook, Monthly Film Bulletin), "This informative documentary may use a familiar format -- clip (including unfinished work), talking heads (Jonas Mekas, Stan Brakhage, et al), footage of Deren herself -- but its tone, as once celebratory and objectively distanced, is beguiling. The film paints a portrait of a fascinating women: extrovert, strong-willed, eccentric, deeply competitive, and immensely energetic. Recommended to anyone interested in dance, alternative cinema, forceful women, and ecstatic imagery" (Geoff Andrew, Time Out).