How Howard Goldberg Brought Surrealism to American Independent Film

When people talk about American independent film, names like Jim Jarmusch, John Cassavetes, or David Lynch often come up. But there’s another filmmaker who, for decades, has been pushing the boundaries of storytelling with humor, surrealism, and a deeply personal vision: Howard Goldberg.

Goldberg’s career spans nearly five decades and covers everything from underground cult films to Hollywood collaborations. His work has never been about following trends—it has been about bending the rules of cinema to capture the strangeness, absurdity, and humanity of life. In doing so, Goldberg has quietly carved out a legacy as one of the hidden architects of surrealism in American independent film.

A First Taste of Surreal Storytelling: Apple Pie

Goldberg’s breakout moment came in 1975 with Apple Pie, a strange and playful film that defied expectations from the very first frame. Shot with a small budget and a lot of creative daring, Apple Pie quickly developed a reputation as a cult classic. The film blended absurdist comedy with surreal touches that felt more European than American at the time.

Unlike the linear, character-driven stories that dominated the U.S. box office in the 1970s, Apple Pie thrived on dream logic, unexpected shifts, and satirical commentary. Audiences didn’t quite know what to make of it, but those who connected with the film recognized Goldberg’s gift: the ability to mix humor and surrealism in a way that still felt grounded in human emotion.

This debut established him as a filmmaker willing to take risks, unafraid to explore the unconventional corners of storytelling.

From Clubs to Characters: The King of Clubs

After Apple Pie, Goldberg continued experimenting with style and tone. His 1981 novel The King of Clubs offered another glimpse into his fascination with the surreal and the symbolic. The novel explored themes of identity, fate, and personal reinvention—territory that would continue to shape his work for years to come.

The King of Clubs wasn’t just another novel; it reflected Goldberg’s broader authoritative vision. At the same time, he was also writing, sculpting, and exploring music, pulling from multiple art forms to create stories that felt textured and layered.

Double Exposure: Surrealism for a New Century

One of Goldberg’s most ambitious works came in 2024 with Double Exposure. The film fused dark comedy with surreal, fragmented storytelling. By this time, independent film had changed dramatically, with more competition and more access to international audiences. Goldberg rose to the moment by creating a piece of cinema that reflected both his early surrealist roots and his growth as a mature filmmaker.

Double Exposure earned him recognition at film festivals and showed that his vision could adapt to changing times without losing its originality. In many ways, this film was Goldberg’s answer to the 21st-century independent scene—smarter, sharper, and still uniquely strange.

The Meta Experiment of Jake Squared

Goldberg’s 2013 film Jake Squared brought surrealism to the forefront in a new way. The movie told the story of a filmmaker who tries to make sense of his life by creating a movie about himself—only to find multiple versions of his past and future selves showing up on set. The result was a surreal exploration of memory, regret, and creativity itself.

With Jake Squared, Goldberg wasn’t just telling a story—he was questioning the very process of storytelling. The film blurred the line between fiction and autobiography, between dream and reality. It resonated with audiences who were willing to go on that strange, self-reflective journey, and it proved once again that Goldberg was a master at using surrealism to explore universal themes.

More Than a Filmmaker: A Multidisciplinary Artist

Part of what makes Goldberg’s surrealism unique is that it doesn’t come only from film. His artistic background includes sculpture, writing, and music. He has created bronze sculptures, written literary works, and collaborated with musicians. This diversity has given his films a richness that draws from more than just cinema.

When you watch a Goldberg film, you can sense that it is influenced by other forms of art—the composition of a shot can feel like a sculpture, the rhythm of a scene can mirror a piece of music, and the absurdity of dialogue can read like experimental literature. His work stands out because it carries the DNA of multiple art forms. His film, Eden, was made in 1996 and premiered in the Dramatic Competition at the Sundance Festival.

Why Surrealism Still Matters

In today’s world of streaming platforms and algorithm-driven content, surrealism might seem like a niche interest. But Goldberg’s films prove that surrealism is more relevant than ever. By pushing viewers to think differently and by refusing to give easy answers, his work reminds us that film can be more than entertainment—it can be a mirror to our subconscious.

Goldberg’s career shows how surrealism can be used not just to confuse or shock, but to make audiences laugh, reflect, and question their own assumptions about life. His approach paved the way for a generation of indie filmmakers who embrace weirdness and experimentation as a strength.

A Legacy of Creative Courage

Howard Goldberg may not be a household name like some of his peers, but his impact is undeniable. Through films like Apple Pie, The King of Clubs, Double Exposure, and Jake Squared, he has kept surrealism alive in American independent film. His multidisciplinary background has allowed him to bring a unique lens to his stories, making his films both unusual and deeply human.

In a world where much of cinema is built on formulas, Goldberg’s work is a reminder that taking creative risks matters. Surrealism, in his hands, is not just an artistic style—it’s a way of seeing life itself.