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An Optical Poem (1938) poster

An Optical Poem

1938, English. Directed by Oskar Fischinger.

A dance of shapes. A title card tells us this is an experiment in conveying the mental images of music in a visual form. Liszt's "Second Hungarian Rhapsody" is the music. The shapes, all two-dimensional, are circles primarily, with some squares and rectangles, and a few triangles. The shapes move rhythmically to the music: receding from view or moving across the screen. Red circles on a blue background; light blue squares; white rectangles. Then, a red background of many circles with a few in the foreground. Red gives way to blue then to white. Shapes reappear as Liszt's themes re-occur. Then, with a few staccato notes and images, it's over.

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Runtime
0h 7m
Post-credits
None listed
Language
English
Rated
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Start now and it ends at ….

Popcorn Flick

Fun if you don’t overthink it.

6.8/10 from 40 TMDB viewer ratings.

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Where to watch An Optical Poem

An Optical Poem isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online.

Free

Availability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.

Details

Released
5 March 1938
Country
United States of America
classical musicshapes

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What An Optical Poem is based on

An Optical Poem is based on Hungarian Roidy No. 2, a musical work/composition.

Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.

If you liked An Optical Poem

An Optical Poem: quick answers

Is An Optical Poem worth watching?

Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.8/10 from 40 TMDB viewer ratings.

How long is An Optical Poem?

An Optical Poem runs 7 minutes (0h 7m).

Does An Optical Poem have a post-credits scene?

None is listed for An Optical Poem. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.

An Optical Poem parents guide: is it suitable for kids?

No age rating is listed for An Optical Poem yet.

Which OTT platform is An Optical Poem on?

An Optical Poem isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free online. (Checked 10 November 2026.)

What movies are like An Optical Poem?

If you liked An Optical Poem, try Arlo the Alligator Boy, UglyDolls, Make Mine Music.

Who directed An Optical Poem?

An Optical Poem (1938) was directed by Oskar Fischinger.

What is An Optical Poem based on?

An Optical Poem is based on Hungarian Roidy No. 2, a musical work/composition.

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