Greetings
dir. Brian De Palma · 1968
Life is filled with absurdities and uncertainties that challenge our understanding of purpose and connection.
Feature
Surveillance & Control
Mood
Comedic / Contemplative
Look
grainy, documentary-like realism with spontaneous framing
Structure
episodic and vignette-driven
Plot
Three friends in New York City discuss how to dodge the draft and Vietnam, JFK's assassination, voyeurism, computer dating, and everything else.
Why watch
*Greetings* captures the chaotic spirit of the 1960s through its absurd yet poignant dialogues about life, death, and societal expectations. With a blend of humor and contemplation, De Palma's debut film invites viewers to reflect on the whims of youth against the backdrop of a turbulent era.
Cultural context
1960s countercultureVietnam War draftpost-JFK assassination disillusionmentrise of youth activism