Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars

One of the great unrealized theatrical productions of the 20th century, the CIVIL warS: a tree is best measured when it is down would have been visionary director Robert Wilson’s magnum opus: a 12-hour historical opera in six distinct parts, each prepared in a different country ahead of a complete performance planned for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Director Howard Brookner’s 1985 documentary follows Wilson as he collaborates with artists like David Byrne, Philip Glass, and Lucinda Childs, while grappling with funding challenges, labor issues, and the daunting scale of his undertaking. After elements of the film were lost or destroyed in Superstorm Sandy, Aaron Brookner, the documentarian’s nephew, devoted 12 years to restoring this extraordinary chronicle.

Restored in 2025 by Pinball London – Janus Films – The Criterion Collection at Pinball London, Bando a parte, Dan Zlotnik, and Matar Studio from a 16mm print, a VHS, and the stereo 16mm optical sound. Funding provided by Howard Brookner Legacy Project, Howard Brookner Estate, Pinball London and Janus Films – The Criterion Collection. Restoration supervised by Aaron Brookner, Paula Vaccaro, and Carlos Morales/EPost.