Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
Strange Parallel
TITLE DETAILS

Strange Parallel

1998-10-15 · 30 min · ★ 6.4

Documentary · Music · Fantasy

Strange Parallel is a documentary/short film revolving around the American singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. The film features interviews with Elliott himself as well as fans, friends and other acquaintances of his (including Gus Van Sant, Larry Crane, and the members of Quasi). The film also includes snippets of Elliott Smith performing as well as footage of him recording an unreleased song, "Brand New Game". The film sometimes moves out of reality, with acted-out, metaphorical sequences that involve Elliott considering purchasing a mechanical hand (a "robot hand" ) to improve his music.

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Steve Hanft
Production companies
DreamWorks Records
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

Elliott SmithElliott SmithSelf
Gus Van SantGus Van SantSelf
Sam CoomesSelf
Janet WeissSelf
Sean CroghanDrill Sergeant
Larry CraneLarry CraneSelf
Joanna BolmeSelf
Amber StromSelf
Dave EnglandDave EnglandDevil
Rossie HarrisRossie HarrisRobot Hand Salesman
Sasha FuentesRobot Hand Salesman
Marne LucasSelf

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Availability not listed for this country.

Recommendations

Western Stars
★ 7.0
Western Stars2019Documentary · Music

The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.

Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me
★ 8.4
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me2022Documentary · Music

After years in the limelight, Selena Gomez achieves unimaginable stardom. But just as she reaches a new peak, an unexpected turn pulls her into darkness. This uniquely raw and intimate documentary spans her six-year journey into a new light.

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)
★ 8.4
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)2026Documentary · Music

Captured during Billie Eilish's sold-out world tour, a concert experience from one of the most celebrated and successful artists of her generation, presented in immersive 3D.

The Beach Boys
★ 6.6
The Beach Boys2024Documentary · Music

A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)
★ 7.8
OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)2022Documentary · Music

Grammy® winner singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her debut album “SOUR,” to Los Angeles. Along the way, Rodrigo recounts the memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow Olivia along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of “SOUR.”

Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten
★ 7.3
Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten2007Documentary · Music

As the front man of the Clash from 1977 onwards, Joe Strummer changed people's lives forever. Four years after his death, his influence reaches out around the world, more strongly now than ever before. In "The Future Is Unwritten", from British film director Julien Temple, Joe Strummer is revealed not just as a legend or musician, but as a true communicator of our times. Drawing on both a shared punk history and the close personal friendship which developed over the last years of Joe's life, Julien Temple's film is a celebration of Joe Strummer - before, during and after the Clash.

Live Aid
★ 7.8
Live Aid1985Documentary · Music

Live Aid was held on 13 July 1985, simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, and the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. It was one of the largest scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time: watched live by an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. "It's twelve noon in London, seven AM in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid...!"

Avicii: True Stories
★ 8.0
Avicii: True Stories2017Documentary · Music

Documentary about the arena-packing Swedish DJ, chronicling his explosive rise to fame and surprising decision to retire from live performances in 2016.

Shawn Mendes: In Wonder
★ 8.1
Shawn Mendes: In Wonder2020Documentary · Music

A portrait of singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes' life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey.

The Last Repair Shop
★ 7.5
The Last Repair Shop2024Documentary · Music

In a warehouse in the heart of Los Angeles, a dwindling handful of devoted craftspeople maintain more than 80,000 student musical instruments, the largest remaining workshop in America of its kind. Meet four unforgettable characters whose broken-and-repaired lives have been dedicated to bringing so much more than music to the schoolchildren of this city.

Piece by Piece
★ 7.1
Piece by Piece2024Documentary · Music

A unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of LEGO® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music's most innovative minds.

Dua Lipa: Studio 2054
★ 9.0
Dua Lipa: Studio 20542020Documentary · Music

Dua Lipa's kaleidoscopic rocket fuelled journey through time, space, mirrorballs, roller discos, bucket hats, belting beats, throbbing basslines and an absolute slam dunk of the best of times in global club culture throughout the decades.

Supersonic
★ 7.4
Supersonic2016Documentary · Music

Supersonic charts the meteoric rise of Oasis from the council estates of Manchester to some of the biggest concerts of all time in just three short years. This palpable, raw and moving film shines a light on one of the most genre and generation-defining British bands that has ever existed and features candid new interviews with Noel and Liam Gallagher, their mother, and members of the band and road crew.

Matangi / Maya / M.I.A.
★ 7.5
Matangi / Maya / M.I.A.2018Documentary · Music

Drawn from a never before seen cache of personal footage spanning decades, this is an intimate portrait of the Sri Lankan artist and musician who continues to shatter conventions.

Daft Punk Unchained
★ 7.2
Daft Punk Unchained2015Documentary · Music

Daft Punk Unchained is the first film about the pop culture phenomenon that is Daft Punk, the duo with 12 million albums sold worldwide and seven Grammy Awards. Throughout their career Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo have always resisted compromise and the established codes of show business. They have remained determined to maintain control of every link in the chain of their creative process. In the era of globalisation and social networks, they rarely speak in public and neither do they show their faces on TV. This documentary explores this unprecedented cultural revolution revealing a duo of artists on a permanent quest for creativity, independence and freedom.

The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story
★ 7.3
The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story2019Documentary · Music

A documentary chronicling Queen and Lambert's incredible journey since they first shared the stage together on "American Idol" in 2009.

Hired Gun
★ 7.1
Hired Gun2017Documentary · Music

A documentary film about session and touring musicians that are hired by well-established and famous bands and artists. These people may not be household names, but are still top-notch performers!

Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy
★ 8.9
Selena y Los Dinos: A Family's Legacy2025Documentary · Music

Never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews celebrate the life and legacy of iconic Mexican American singer Selena Quintanilla and her family band.

Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams
★ 7.8
Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams2018Documentary · Music

An in-depth and intimate portrait of Coldplay's spectacular rise from the backrooms of Camden pubs to selling out stadiums across the planet. At the heart of the story is the band's unshakeable brotherhood which has endured through many highs and lows.

Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition
★ 8.5
Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition2026Documentary · Music

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all-new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans.

Similar titles

Poster unavailable
★ 6.6
The Spiderelephant1967Fantasy

The short takes place around the Big Bang… probably before. A poor creature called the Spiderelephant spends its life walking in one direction (see why the dimensional aspect is important) and the short recounts what happens when it runs out of a place to walk.

Mirrorball
Not rated
Mirrorball2012Documentary

On the dance floor and from the heart, people with disability and their families share relationship stories, hopes and challenges.

Eno
★ 5.5
Eno1973Documentary · Music

About the English musician, composer, record producer, singer, writer, and visual artist, Brian Peter George St John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno, made shortly after his departure from Roxy Music. Featuring the recording sessions for Eno's record "Here Come the Warm Jets". A long lost documentary.

Breakdowns of 1940
★ 4.0
Breakdowns of 19401940Documentary

Flubs and bloopers that occurred on the set of some of the major Warner Bros. pictures of 1940.

Breakdowns of 1942
★ 6.0
Breakdowns of 19421942Documentary

Flubs and bloopers that occurred on the set of some of the major Warner Bros. pictures of 1942.

Blow-Ups of 1946
★ 6.0
Blow-Ups of 19461946Documentary

Flubs and bloopers that occurred on the set of some of the major Warner Bros. pictures of 1946.

Poster unavailable
★ 7.5
Mockingbird2010Fantasy

A young father listens to his wife soothing their newborn child over the baby monitor. What could possibly go wrong?

T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s
★ 7.0
T'Ain't Nobody's Bizness: Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s2013Documentary · Music

The 1920s saw a revolution in technology, the advent of the recording industry, that created the first class of African-American women to sing their way to fame and fortune. Blues divas such as Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, and Alberta Hunter created and promoted a working-class vision of blues life that provided an alternative to the Victorian gentility of middle-class manners. In their lives and music, blues women presented themselves as strong, independent women who lived hard lives and were unapologetic about their unconventional choices in clothes, recreational activities, and bed partners. Blues singers disseminated a Black feminism that celebrated emotional resilience and sexual pleasure, no matter the source.

Romeo & Julius
★ 7.0
Romeo & Julius2009Documentary

A young group of actors are preparing an updated version of Shakespeare's ROMEO & JULIET. Two boys perform the central roles - both of them struggling with their own questions of love alongside their roles on stage. And as rehearsals begin, reality soon starts to interfere with the play.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Kiss 25 Goodbye1991Documentary

Outrage kiss-in at Bow Street police station in London, with a demonstration against homophobic government bills clause 25/28.

Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley
★ 6.6
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley2007Documentary · Music

This film features unreleased concert footage of Elvis Presley's afternoon performance at the 'Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show' held at the Fairgrounds in Tupelo, Mississippi on September 26, 1956. The professionally filmed black and white newsreel footage was synchronized with an amateur audio recording of the concert that had previously appeared on the 'Elvis Presley: A Golden Celebration' LP/CD box set.

Poster unavailable
★ 4.2
Escape from Hellview2011Fantasy

The journey of 3-year-old Tomy into the magical clown-world beyond his bedroom-wall and his struggle to come back in one piece.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Deep 'C' Melodies1930Music

Musical short.

A Silent Day
★ 8.7
A Silent Day1999Documentary

A depiction of a girl’s uneasy state of mind as it wavers between life and death.

Poster unavailable
★ 6.1
Dawn1979Documentary

Szirtes's masterful experimental work is a dazzling composition of several years of filming within an industrial macro/microcosm, an abstract model of revolution and the beauty of daybreak.

Poster unavailable
★ 10.0
The Illusionist1901Fantasy

On the theater stage, a magician makes appear and disappear his partners

Poster unavailable
★ 7.7
Ingenious Soubrette1902Fantasy

The opening of this remarkable and mysterious film brings into view a scene in a parlor, with two servants discussing the easiest way to hang four pictures which are leaning against the wall on the floor. The artful butler suggests to the pretty parlor-maid that she should hang the pictures from the step-ladder which he hastens to secure from an adjoining room. In the meantime the maid mysteriously proceeds to hang the pictures herself by walking up the side of the wall, and after accomplishing this strange feat turns a somersault from the wall into a chair.

Poster unavailable
★ 5.9
Foo-Foo Dust2003Documentary

This less-than-feature-length documentary chronicles the endless cycle of addiction perpetrated by a mother and son living in a squalid tenement in San Francisco. 22-year-old Ryan and his mother Stephanie are both drug addicts: Although he'll take whatever comes along, her substance of choice is crack cocaine, and she demands that her son provide her with some. As they navigate their respective addictions, each comes close to overdosing just before they're evicted from their apartment.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
The Trick Brain2013Documentary

A dark and magical visit to the fabled Parisian address Rue Fontaine 42. This was the residence of André Breton, the mastermind of surrealism, who surrounded himself with an impressive collection of modern, Western art and ethnographic objects from Oceania and North America. The collection was sold and divided up in 2003 at a controversial auction. 'The Trick Brain' is a delirious montage and a trip back in time to Breton's private art collection, where Atkins has been scouring the archives and come up with a possessing interior film of the place that once was, complete with surrealistic paintings, scores of Indian figures and hundreds of other displayed rarities. The film's soundtrack is provided by an observant narrator, who reveals to us that the objects shown are not necessarily what they claim to be - but instead are catalysts for some kind of wonderful linguistic virus which reveals the real identity of things.

When My Knife Strikes You
★ 7.1
When My Knife Strikes You1968Documentary

Shot in various villages throughout Yugoslavia, this is a disturbing document of a time when people were stabbing each other with knives without any real reason. Murderers, people who witness these murders and the families of victims all talk about the senseless violence and the human condition.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.