Ken Jacobs' 'Star Spangled' Film: A Dark Mirror

Ken Jacobs' acclaimed 6½-hour film, "Star Spangled to Death," is currently presented as an installation at the Museum of Modern Art until April 7. Jacobs began this unique cinematic assemblage in the mid-1950s, evolving it over decades before completing a digital version in 2004. The work is a profound exploration of American culture, weaving together found movie footage with scenes of Jacobs and artist Jack Smith in various locations across Manhattan.

This ambitious project functions as a vast American pageant, incorporating a diverse array of cinematic detritus. Audiences will encounter vintage cartoons, soft-core pornography, educational films, political promos, and even the offensive blackface finale from the 1934 film "Wonder Bar." Jacobs masterfully juxtaposes these elements with footage of his friends and everyday life, creating a powerful critique of institutionalized racism, military mobilization, and piety, all while maintaining a dynamic visual style and moments of sharp humor.

The film's relentless anti-patriotism, which strongly justifies its title, is particularly evident in its final 90 minutes, "The Height of Folly." This section revisits earlier themes and incorporates new material, such as footage of 2003 Manhattan demonstrators protesting the Iraq War. The presentation at MoMA is part of a larger, 14-venue retrospective celebrating Jacobs' extensive cinematic career across New York City.