Grand Opera marks a stock-taking of Benning's work and his life, presenting a personal and artistic autobiography woven together with a series of events dealing with the historical development of the number pi, Benning's travels, and homages to Michael Snow, Hollis Frampton, George Landow (Owen Land), and Yvonne Rainer.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Hollis FramptonMax A. Zorn | Max A. Zorn |
 Owen LandAl Rutcurts | Al Rutcurts |
 Michael SnowWilma Schoen | Wilma Schoen |
 Yvonne RainerKristina | Kristina |
 Stan BrakhageHimself (voice) | Himself (voice) |