Guns of the Trees

(1961)Directed by Jonas Mekas85 minDrama
Don’t take the poet’s anger for hysterics. When you hear a poet shouting, think about your own existence which is in danger.

Barbara, a young woman consumed by despair, contemplates suicide, while a man she meets in a church and a married couple struggle to persuade her that life is still worth living. Mekas’s film weaves this intimate drama into a larger reflection on alienation, politics, and the turbulence of early 1960s America.

Frances Stillmanas Barbara
Adolfas Mekasas Gregory
Argus Spear Juillardas Argus
Frank Kuenstleras Frank
Louis Briganteas Luis
Sudie Bondas Sudie
Leonard Hicksas Leonard
Melvin Clayas Man Looking for Job
George Maciunasas Man with Theorbo
Tina Stoumenas Girl on Swing
Barbara Tuckeras Woman with Child
Allen Ginsbergas Self (voice)
Anne Flannaganas Pregnant Woman
Sterling Jensenas Mime II
Marvin Karpatkinas Man at the Desk
Stuart Perkoffas Poetry Reader
Jewel Walkeras Mime I
Marjorie Walkeras Office Woman