Independent Filmmaker Becomes Last to Use Kodak Plus-X Film

Perhaps sadder than the moment when a company officially discontinues a film is the moment when the last of that film is used, and that’s what has just happen to Kodak’s famous Plus-X 5231 movie film. Plus-X was discontinued a couple of years ago, and according to the LA Daily News, independent filmmaker Paul Bunnell’s “The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” will be the last feature shot using the film. A film that for many years was a favorite of black and white cinematographers everywhere.

Interestingly, Bunnell beat out some pretty big competitors to get the last of the film — namely, the creators of the Oscar-winning film “The Artist.” They contacted Kodak only shortly after a worldwide search landed the last 90,000 feet of unexposed Plus-X in Bunnell’s hands, and ultimately had to shoot “The Artist” on color stock which they then converted to black and white.

“The Ghastly Love of Johnny X” debuts this Wednesday at the Dances With Films Festival in Hollywood, so if you happen to be in the area and want to pay hommage to our old friend Plus-X, head over to the Dances With Films website for ticketing info.