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.
Directed by Steve Hanft
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
4.1 / 5
Cast
Elliott Smith
Self
Gus Van Sant
Self
Larry Crane
Self
Dave England
Devil
Rossie Harris
Robot Hand Salesman
Crew
Elliott Smith
Music
Popular Reviews
13 reviews
val
10.0★ · 02/23/26
“OMG HE IS PLAYING WALTZ #2”
And then I proceed to cry 30 minutes nonstop
“OMG HE IS PLAYING WALTZ #2”
And then I proceed to cry 30 minutes nonstop
Diana H
10.0★ · 12/04/25
I love my close personal friend Elliott Smith so very much
I love my close personal friend Elliott Smith so very much
Maggie
10.0★ · 09/21/25
every day I get closer to getting an Elliott tattoo, cried throughout this
every day I get closer to getting an Elliott tattoo, cried throughout this
claire
10.0★ · 07/24/25
Robot hand IS the future Elliott
More documentaries should have a subplot of a freaky dream the subject had one time
Robot hand IS the future Elliott
More documentaries should have a subplot of a freaky dream the subject had one time