EXPERIMENTAL FILM: Introduction

  • Experimental / avant-garde film: rigorously re-evaluates cinematic conventions and explores non-narrative forms or alternatives to traditional narratives or methods of working. often either manipulated photographic images, collage films, short films, or a combination of all three. Some feature abstract film techniques, sound manipulation, rapid changes in image size and style, or alternate frame rates. Some rely on mechanical devices that use optical effects such as mirrors.
  • ignores the techniques of conventional cinema and pushes the medium of film in unexplored ways
  • typically more concerned with form than content
  • absence of linear narrative, lacking traditional narrative
  • abstracting techniques e.g; out of focus, painting or scratching on film, rapid editing etc
  • non-diegetic sound 
  • absence of sound-track
  • could lack plot or dialogue 
  • started in 1920s-30s with rise of surrealism as an art movement 
  • time lapses
  • breaking the fourth wall
  •  e.g, un chien andalou 1929
  • ignores logic
  • scenes seem to have no obvious/clear connection to each other
  • influenced by art movements
  • impossible or absurd events
  • promotes irrationality and non-sensical imagery
  • e.g. meshes of the afternoon
  • abandons traditional concepts of causality
  • could use; double exposure, slow motion, false eye-line matches
  • experiments with time, causality and identity
  • dream-like, surreal
  • depict supernatural
  • multiple exposures, split screen, reverse footage
  • meta-fictional elements
  • e.g. andy warhol - empire, sleep
  • simultaneous split-screens
  • they are not intended for a mass audience and are generally made with the intention that they will be shown to a group of people with interest or understanding in the filmmaking style

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