The Evolution of Film: From Technical Limitations to Artistic Innovation
The Sequential Construction
In its early years, film faced technical limitations that restricted sequential construction. Projectors could only handle a limited capacity, initially no more than 24 seconds, hindering the complexity of movies.
As projector capacity increased, films grew more intricate. The European model, characterized by exaggerated gesticulations, contrasted with the American style, which employed subtler acting.
Cohesive Devices
Filmmakers developed cohesive devices to ensure continuity and enhance storytelling:
Introduction of an Insert
A visual element inserted into a scene to emphasize its importance.
Closure of the Sequence
A sequence concluding with a jarring visual, often a close-up, to leave a lasting impact.
Links Between Sequences
Sequences, as units of space and time, are connected through various techniques:
Action from the Melt
A transition where the final image of one sequence melts into the initial image of the next.
Chained
Superimposing the end of one sequence onto the beginning of the following one.
Sweep
A fluid transition where one image gives way to another.
Iris
A circular mask that opens or closes on a scene, often associated with silent films. It can also link past and present through temporal jumps.
Assembly Systems
Assembly Continue
A system maintaining continuity in time and space.
Installation in Parallel
Two simultaneous actions in distinct spaces converging at a point, heightening rhythmic tension and introducing a dynamic space-time relationship.
Film as Art
Film transcended mere imitation, borrowing elements from other art forms like music and literature to create a unique artistic experience.
The avant-garde explored film’s ability to synthesize various art forms, crafting dreamlike spaces that encouraged reflection rather than passive viewing.
The Influence of Other Arts
Poetry
Filmmakers drew inspiration from poetry, experimenting with visual imagery and sound to evoke emotions and create synaesthesia.
Cine-Photography
Muybridge
Pioneered motion photography, capturing the movement of animals and humans in a way the human eye couldn’t perceive.
Marey
Developed chronophotography, combining multiple exposures in a single image to study movement.
Edgerton
Used high-speed photography to freeze motion, revealing intricate details and creating rhythmic visual effects.
Film-Music
The relationship between film and music predates sound in movies. The introduction of sound sparked debates about the role of music, with some advocating for atonal music and others for existing compositions.
Music in film could be used to enhance emotions, create atmosphere, or provide commentary on the visuals.
The Museum and New Technologies
Museums began embracing film and photography in the 1920s-1930s, driven by:
Musealization of Film and Photography
The increasing recognition of film and photography as art forms worthy of preservation and exhibition.
MOMA File: Steichen
Steichen, influenced by Pictorialism, curated exhibitions that shaped the museum’s photography collection, a model emulated by other institutions.
Newhall
Newhall sought to define artistic merit in photography, establishing criteria for museum inclusion and influencing the economic valuation of photographs.
Criteria
- Rarity: Works using uncommon techniques or themes.
- Black and White: Initially valued over color photography.
- Author Conservation: Artists were encouraged to destroy negatives to increase the value of existing prints.
Film Archives
Institutions like MOMA started film archives, preserving films from around the world, particularly those with historical or experimental value.
Problems Faced by Archives
- Late Start: Many early films were lost before archiving efforts began.
- Nitrate Film Degradation: The flammable nature of early nitrate film stock led to accidental destruction.
- Economic Value Over Preservation: The practice of reusing film stock for new negatives resulted in the loss of countless films.
Paradox of Success
Ironically, successful films were often poorly preserved because the original negatives degraded from multiple copies being made.
Preservation and Archiving Issues
The Notion of Origin
The reproducibility of film made it challenging to define an”origina” version, especially with the emergence of sound and subsequent re-releases.
Problem of Authorship
The collaborative nature of filmmaking complicated authorship attribution, often defaulting to the director.
Projection Process Standardization
Variations in projection equipment and standards posed challenges for preserving the intended viewing experience.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings with technical limitations to its evolution into a multifaceted art form, film has continuously pushed boundaries. The intersection of technology, artistry, and preservation efforts has shaped the way we experience and understand cinema.