Making Samuel Beckett's 'Rockaby'

The filmmakers accompany Alan Schneider, director of the American premieres of most of Beckett's plays, and producer Daniel Labeille to the home of Billie Whitelaw, whom Schneider, ironically, had never met previously, and takes us through the rehearsal process of Beckett's newest play, including the recording of the dialogue, as almost all of it is voiceover. The final fifteen minutes of the film are the premiere performance in its entirety.

Directed by Chris Hegedus, D. A. Pennebaker, Making Samuel Beckett's 'Rockaby' leans on a strong ensemble — Billie Whitelaw, Alan Schneider, Daniel Labeille — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1983.