Caged

Short Film
2020

Trailer for Caged by Richard Humann

Although based in Brooklyn, Richard Humann has a house and property in Woodstock, New York. When the quarantine for the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in March of 2020, he chose to spend that time in Woodstock for the ability to be outside and walk the property at will.

The inspiration for the short film came from the infamous composition 4’33” by the American composer John Cage. In it, the performer of the piece sits in front of a piano or other instrument and does absolutely nothing for four minutes and thirty-three seconds. Although many believe the work is about silence, it is actually about becoming acutely aware of the sounds that surround you. 4’33” premiered in 1952 at the Maverick Concert Hall in Woodstock—mere minutes from Richard’s property.

The title Caged is an homage to John Cage’s work, as well as for the double entendre meaning of his last name. For three months; through snow, rain, hail, and eventually sunshine, Richard spent his time caged in quarantine, listening to the sounds of nature that surrounded him, in much the same way as the original audience did for the premier of the composition. The snow fell quietly, the hail fell hard, the rain created soft percussive patterns, and the birds sang throughout. Daily activities also added to the score; writing a letter, stoking a fire, or making a sandwich mimicked that of a soloing instrument, but always present was the sound of the ticking clock.

Caged captures the sights and the sounds of the three months of quarantine, and is exactly four minutes and thirty-three seconds long.

Directed by: Richard Humann
Edited by: George LaGrange
Production Assistant: Susan Darmiento

Richard Humann video still from short film Caged — Richard Humann • *Caged* (video still) • Short film • 2020

Photo credits: Richard Humann Studio

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