Notes on French Impressionism and Surrealism (1918 - 1930)

(Davi Bordwell and Kristen Thompson: Film Art An Introduction: pp 450 - 453)

goggled picture of the book's cover

                I love reading books most especially those who are informative. Self help and school books kind a works for me, like the book written above. Note: this is the same book we're recommended to read when I wrote a post about German Expressionism. I hope that you'll enjoy reading the things I learned from my cinema class. Unlike my previous post this is just my pure understanding of what I read in the book because our lesson will be taking place next week. 

              Let me start in sharing that during the silent era, French felt the need to create a new style apart from the usual narrative form of Hollywood films. This gave birth to impressionism and surrealism. The impressionist directors work for major french companies and said to be financially successful. It has been said in the book that later in the mid-1920's some created their own independent companies but still relate to the mainstream ones buy renting studio facilities and in releasing films. However, I learned that the surrealist stayed outside the film industry and formed allies with other forms of art depending on their own means. This era in France have proved that it is possible for two film movements can exist at the same time. 

Impressionism

                In the book the two movements were discussed right after German Expressionism. Here, the effect of world war 1 reach the time of impressionism. I came to know the film studios were used for war purposes and that the french film industry have reach a low peak. There they don't have a choice but to fill the theaters with American films like Charlie Chaplin's (a well knwon actor of the silent era). But a shift of motivation to several french directions gave back hope for the French film industry. Before it is said that former directors see films are treated for commercial purposes only but these new directors were motivated to see it as a form of art like literature and paintings. Impressionism is the start of looking a character beyond its physical physique. This is to my understanding of what I read. I have that aha moment as I read the impressionism discovering that this is my favorite. It is where a character's inner psychological being is to be dig deeper. You are familiar with this - flashbacks. The factors that caused a character to be it's present state. One example I could think of is the last movie of Harry Potter series (Hello HP fans!) when through a drop of his tear of Snape, Harry poured it in a 'mini well' (sorry I do't know what is called) then a flash back goes back and revealed the past that all this time Snape have grew love and concerned for the 'boy'. In relation to that example, the impressionist films also did required technological advances. I learn that they become more in need in more frames, wide screens, different angle shots, lenses that resembles a perspective of an eye. It has also influence movies like of Alfred Hitchcock and up to today's time.

Surrealism 

          Anti - narrative is used to describe surrealism. As describe in the first paragraph surrealist enjoy the company of their small companies. I learn that it is mostly influenced by surrealist paintings. I did had difficulty understanding the whole text but what I grasped is that it is the opposite of impressionism. Here, psychological factors are of no emphasis as well as the narrative. As to my understanding these are like the non-sequitor films (but I will check on you when I have a better understanding during our lecture). To support my understanding is the said editing characteristics of surrealism. Superimposition and many dissolves are editing similar to impressionism. Scenes are not edited to be coherent. 

         Facts given in the book said that surrealist had been low during the 1930's as of its relation to the political issue when surrealist joined the Communist party in 1929, making people think that the said cinema style is the equivalent of political communism. It still later continued because of the individual artist. 

German Expressionism 

Abstract
http://www.detnovel.com/GermanExp.html

It is a rainy weather here in the Philippines. Classes are suspended. I will take advantage of this ‘good student’ vibe in me. Let me share you the things I learn about German expressionism.

First, let me start in sharing to you my understanding of our lesson during our class last Wednesday under our professor Mr. Jamal Ashley Abbas. To give a brief background and (supporting credibility for what will I write for the next few paragraphs) Prof. Abbas have a Master of Arts degree in Film at the University of the Philippines, getting the best M.A. thesis in Film. To know him more check out his blog. Just click the next tab besides my home tab. going back these are the things that I learned and understand.

Dracula films are good examples of German Expressionism.
picture source: http://theotherjournal.com/amishjihadi/2012/03/12/dracula-dexter-and-dostoyevsky-five-questions-with-w-scott-poole/

German expressionism is closely related but still different from film noir (my last post). Being so confuse with the two I ask our professor what is the difference between the two. He answered simply: Film Noir is a Film Genre and German Expressionism is a style. To further support that it has been discuss to us that the said style can be seen not only in films but in theatre, paintings and several writings as well. Remember those abstract paintings you saw in your last museum visit? Yes, that’s it. : )   it has been described as with highly stylized visuals, strange asymmetrical camera angles and atmospheric lighting. For my dear young readers, I know what you feel. Deep words need further understanding. Looking at my notes these are the few simple ones that I think can support that.

         There is harsh contrast between dark and light. Shadows and silhouettes are most important. Story lines have a sombre (MS word synonyms: serious, sad, dull) mood, characters came from a corrupt environment, there are motifs of claustrophobia and paranoia Give it to a virtual high five for those like me with a weak heart for this kind of films, scary right? However, cheers to those who says ‘exciting!’ 

The Student Prague 1913 - First Expressionism Film
shared by our professor sir Abbas
 picture source:
http://cosmiccatacombs.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-student-of-prague-1913-review.html

         Of course, there is a reason behind everything. This is the part that I will mix up my notes and things I understand from the excerpt of a book (David Bordwell & Kristen Thompson – Film Art: An Introduction) we are recommended to read. It is said that the German Expressionism was the answers to the frim reality of daily life. The loss of innocence of the German people, coping up with the depression, hurt of sex murderers, veterans, death of love ones, all during the first world war years of 1919 – 1929.  It is said in the book that American, Italian, Danish films are the most dominant in German theatres at that time. However, America and France began to pull out their film imports during the war. So the government began to support the film industry. The authors said that in 1916 import films were band and film production companies arise, from 12 – 131 companies in the span of year 1911 to 1918.

        There are also few notes in understanding expressionism. Great help for me, these are the ones I considered most important. Emotion over realism this is how expressionism was describe. Gothic, film noir, it is all about stylization. It focuses on photography, lighting, stylized, artificial stylized sets, overly theatrical means heavy make – up and integration of all the mise-en-scene (dictionary.com: the stage setting or scenery of a play) elements.

        Lastly, the main aims of German style is to give emphasis on design or the mise – en – scene, uncanny atmosphere, less on editing and story compare to Hollywood and of course the film must look abstract. 

Film Noir 

Stranger on the third floor, 1940
photo belongs to http://www.filmnoirstudies.com/np02wwii.html 

               Black and white.
               Shadows and smokes.
               Force evil detour.

          The birth of Film Noir came after the wars, veterans come back. This explains its dark and mysterious emotions and the shout of reality Violence, sex and money are its more visible common elements. Clearly it works on the darker side of human nature. It was said on the documentary that these movies have tragic touch where everyone dies in the end. Protagonist will later on realize in the middle and ask why me? Why is this happening to me? Sad answer is that it all happens is for no apparent reason. In a personal note, I felt the hopelessness in the vibes of Film Noir. After war showed that the death of a love one and their present suffering left them with no choice and just to deal with it. A lot of people suffered depression but sadly psychiatry is still being discovered at the time as refer to the documentary (The Hollywood Style: Film Noir). 


"Light technique mostly used universally." - John Bailey, Cinematographer

          Light and shadows are said and obviously is used in a creative way in Film Noir movies. If there are good cause of the after war, it is that portable cameras and lights are available. Shadows do a big trick. It is used to add the drama, prepare the audience to what would the next scene will be. The black and white, used of shadows signifies night. As said and creatively portrayed in the documentary, John Bailey describes a shot where a man is sitting in a room not seeing a woman open the door on his back and pose. It is a good thing that our generation are still familiar with this kind of view and now personally I finally knew what it is called - Film Noir.

goggle picture of an example of a film noir scene featuring femme fatale

        Smart, powerful women characters victims the men through seduction to get what she wants. A woman is shot in low angle and man in high angle to establish their position. Bed room eyes. Stealing of man. Man fantasy. All equates to Femme fatale - french word for dangerous woman. The used of sexuality in a male dominant society brought a different taste in the watching audience. These women portrays a character that finds her body a strength against the weakness of the men's lust. 

         I desire to put my personal opinion about this. As we go through the deeper study about films my mind is filled with knowledge and more understanding. Now I appreciate films in a more creative way. However, it saddens me that the fight of women for equality later on result of body stereotype, men pleasing and a pressure or rather by culture women have believe, to show off skin is more enticing and shows power. The so-called power or equality we get means sacrificing one of the most precious thing ever given exclusively to us women. Fractured world, yes. I used to believe this lies and little, from time to time is still challenged to stay on the mark of margin. I long for movies who have the balance of reality and good moral lesson just like trainspotting (my previous post).

       Going back, another good thing came out are the colors in movie making. John Bailey quoted, "Color brings real representation of the world, violence and sexuality became more graphic." In short, real colors brings out a better vision of the real world. But still the dark essence and presense of Film Noir was still there. 

Sapphire, 1959
photo from Biloing Sand - http://www.postmodernjoan.com/wp02/?p=7737

                                                                                                   
     
"No lights, no escape."

goggled picture of an example of a detective movie

       Detective films. It is also one of the most notable genre of Film noir movies. Establishing shot of a dark road slowly rising to show a man with a hat and a trench coat, smoking, looking down while walking are one of its stereotype shooting materials. Shadows and lights brings the element of mystery as the detective continuous to discover what the truth is. Additional information in the documentary. In 1950's nuclear bomb is new and scary plus the presence of communism in countries that tries to took control of the world. I think this also contribute to the producing of these films. One good note is that Film Noir directors choose to really shoot in cities rather than in studios. As of Scorsese, "..it is more dramatic." The power of an urban city danger at nght, all the shadow and fogs explains this choice. Another thing is that most of it are B movies which are cheap yet artistic, the budget is also another contributing factor. The main challenge for the directors is how to maximize the elements of the cities for the movies.  

      The discovery of television and a nuclear family sitting all together to watch a show that fits them all became the death of Film Noir.

from : American Family: TV History

Movie Review: Trainspotting 

Screenplay by: John Hodge

Directed by: Danny Boyle

Produced by: Andrew MacDonald

Based on the novel: Transpotting by Irvine Welsh 

           Finish the movie it would be all worth it and made sense in the end.

           The movie started as boys running and Renton has his own little voice over speech which well I think give the whole sense of the movie. He describes how life is difficult to cope up and if they we're to choose they wouldn't choose life. There little by little the cast are introduced showing the different sides rather causes of how they end up 'not choosing life'. To warn you these contains materials about drugs, sex and violence - not for the kids. : )

        As an audience I really had a difficulty to distinguish what type of genre is this because of its complexibility and the difficulty of understanding the Scottish accents as well. Plus, this is not my type movie as I usually choose the feel good ones. Life is hard why make it harder. My movie going motto at hand.  But being a cinema student I somehow was 'force' (no - just kidding) rather challenge to was movies that well I think has better sense. In writing this review comes a little back - up research from what I read from wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trainspotting_(film))and rotten tomatoes  (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/trainspotting/). So it was said that it was a black comedy/drama film, and the way it was portrayed in the movie I am a little convince. Let me start stating the things that I like about the movie.

          The way the actors portrayed each character. I believed that they we're able to give justice to the characters they played. No trace of being superficial, all characters are well internalized. Most especially the story goes around people whom are not ordinary. Sick boy being a little bit silly looking. Begbie the violent one, Spud, giving that witty persona, Dianne the black mailer lover and of course, Renton even if with the rest of the cast members have clearly establish his role. Good choice of actors means better justice for a movie adapting a novel where people who have might read then later watch the film have already a stereotype picture of the characters on mind.

        The editing and cinematography. Invisible editing was present, the shift of every scene has properly established the beginning, middle, end and they way they shoot the angles was superb. On the first part of the movie as Renton lies on the floor the over head shoot of his body being shot from head to foot. The running scenes are also good. But the most creative mixture of editing and shooting is when Renton is lock in his room by his parents and the side effects of withdrawal creeps in. He is hallucinating the that Allision's baby who live with them (addicts) and later on died out of negligence is  creeping in the ceiling, Diane is singing, sick boy chained in jails at his door and parents talking about HIV on the show. 

         In a deeper sense the movie aims to awaken the consciousness of the audience on many realities of life. We live in a fractured world where poverty, judgement and lies will always be present. Whether it be in Scotland, in the Philippines (where I live), any parts of the world; rich or poor; we are being fed with lies out of the hardships of life. Soon everyone wants an escape - sex, beer, gambling, money, drugs you name it. But are these all worth it? As it was said it is an escape not a solution. This is why we are in need of a Savior. He is joy , peace, love and the truth. Live with Him is harder but you are assured with your direction. This is the reason why I like, or I may call it love, the last part of the movie where Renton have this voice over with the same script about life but his last words differ and said "I choose life". 

The Film School Generation

So-called Film School Generation Brats

Review of Hollywood: The Film School Generation

The fall of the studio system became the rise of the film school generation where directors were schooled and educated therefore gave a different perspective on filming. In the late 1960’s they gave a new platform to the audience therefore made one of the successful movies of all times. However, these directors are divided into two: (1) those that care for the audience and (2) those that didn’t care at all.

First is Steven Spielberg as the only director familiar to me would I consider as a director who care for the audience. I would take in consideration what Jonathan Taplin said “Steve and George are on making movies that moves people.” As documented to his movies e.t and Jurassic park really focus on the people’s sentiments. Second is George Lucas as he said on the documentary “a chance to make what I do to film school to a grander version” this I was proven of his passion in making movies. American graffiti a big hit we’re in during that time there are youth movements who are arising. Although I am not that familiar to the star wars movie I believe as again of Jonathan Taplin he is man who cares for the audience. Both of them make movies that are from the future which for me is a good thing.

Steven Spielberg

George Lucas

  

Third is Martin Scorsese. He said “I just get the money didn’t know when it will be released” on his movie mean money.  He is the director whom I can’t figure out who is between the two types of directors. But to that quote I would go on the one who didn’t care cause maybe at that time most of the directors as the fall of studio system are all for the money. Fourth is Brian de Palma, inspired by Hitchcock, psycho movies is his thing. This shows his artistic mind and individuality proving what he said that film is his way to “express things in pure cinematic forms like talking to the camera”.  For me he is a director who is like Scorsese is the one who didn’t care at all. He is all about his imagination put on to film. His movie carrie as said on the documentary was successful but not a block buster and he keep on thinking that it should have done better although I appreciate his thought for the people on this matter.  Lastly, Francis Coppota, his dream was to run his own studio and to be called America’s Zoetrope, he was ambitious and as Steven Spielberg said somehow he wanted to be their God father. He was the first guy to make the generation. As the director of the successful film God the father, he too is someone who as taplin said ‘the one who moves himself’ therefor confirm he is the guy who thinks of his ambition through filming rather than the audience.  

American Zoetrope

Over all, this revolution of directing and filming gave birth to what we now enjoy science and fiction movies. Although, maybe because I am not a fan of psycho movies I am quite off with this part most especially as the documentary said it is when romance turned more into sex scenes and women as the rise of the 1960’s revolution became from one who is pursued to the one that pursues. There is a good and the bad but still these generation created one of the most successful films which brought us influence to where the film industry is now. 

The Hollywood Style

Old look of Hollywood

Audrey Hepburn

The documentary ‘what is the Hollywood style?’ brings out main characteristics of the classic Hollywood – always on the imaginative sense, narrative, invisible editing and convincing transporting to audience to the place of the characters.

                Business people plus artist and actors equates a movie production. As the documentary suggests the elements of business and art have united to take advantage of busy people – real life is far away the life that we all create in our imagination. This is the reason why we watch movies. In this way the classic Hollywood style was able to make a lot of people believe that in a way their dreams came true through a movie’s story line as their life or a certain character as themselves.

                Next is the narrative which is compose of beginning, middle and end. This is the part that contributed the popularity of the classic Hollywood style. It somehow became the standard of movie making for those who have been influence to it. Several examples are happy endings; main character saves the day and boy meets girl. It became so popular that without it the audience would be disappointed.

                “Don’t let them realize, oopps it is just a movie.” One great thing about the classic Hollywood style is the invisible editing. This became their advantage towards the European movies. It made the style more realistic without the jump cuts. In connection with how they unified the space and time so that it would equate how space and time are used in real life – 180 degrees rule. 

the movie goers back then 

                All in the entire classic Hollywood cinema is still being used today and somehow the Philippine cinema hasn’t gotten over it yet. It is good, for me the classic still have a big place in me but still thank goodness many director rises up to give a more realistic story. In the 1971, Grand Canyon, “All the life’s riddles are answered in the movies.” I really hope that people would get the right and realistic answer to those riddles without sacrificing the art of movie making.