Synopsis
Described as "A wry commentary on machine-dominated man" and as "fragments of a prophesy,"
21-87 is filled with dystopian symbolism. The film conveys
Lipsett's concern for an increasingly de-humanized civilization, foreshadowing his embryonic agoraphobia and subsequent withdrawal from public life.
21-87 concludes with "a good-hearted friendly voice" repeating a line from earlier in the film, which encapsulates
Lipsett's view of social conformity: "Somebody walks up and you say, 'Your number is
21-87, isn't it?' Boy does that person really smile." One of his most successful pieces,
21-87 received Second Prize at the 1964 Palo Alto Film-Makers Festival in California, where
Kenneth Anger's
Scorpio Rising (1962) and
Bruce Conner's
Cosmic Ray (1963) finished first and third respectively; the title,
21-87 later served as Princess Leia's cell number in
Star Wars (1977).
