Man with the Movie Camera (1929)
So i found out today that i am not into experimental films. Although, the film had its interesting elements it just wasn't for me. In a way, it reminded me of jazz. It was all over the place, impossible to follow, and had no lyrics to sing along with. It should be appreciated for what its worth, but it's not for everyone.
As for what i took from the movie, it was filmed very well for it's time period. The montage of scenes and the impressive way "special effects?" were presented was something that stood out. I remember specifically slow motion shots, the camera movie around as if no one were touching it, and scenes that were split in two, all very impressive. Furthermore, it was clear this was a documentary style film because I recall when a divorce was taking place a women had a purse over her face because she didn't want to be included in the shots. What i also found shocking was the lengths that the cameraman went to get his shots. I remember a camera being mounted on a moving car, him laying on a train track etc. All very dangerous, but makes a one of a kind shot. Furthermore, this movie had artistic value. I recall a shot where clouds were moving past a bridge like something you'd expect to see in a painting.
As far as the idea of the movie, i have no idea. The things that stick out in my mind is most of the scenes involved the working class. I don't recall ever really seeing people with high collars and fancy dresses sitting at a piano or anything bourgoise. It was mostly technology and phone operators etc. Furthermore, there was i think 3 mentions of Lenin (including a picture of him), and a mention of the 5 year plan which is probably significant. Before the film, we discussed how in the Soviet Union marriage wasn't really a huge part of relationships;however, in the film there were people signing marriage certificates which confused me. If it's not such a big part of their culture there then why did Vertov feel it was important enough to add into his film? Finally I'm going to take a leap of faith here and attempt to draw a conclusion from the movie. The beginning of the movie was very fast pace, with scenes changing constantly, and fast pace music. Then it suddenly froze and the music became more subtle. I (whether this be right or completely wrong) took it as maybe hinting at a change from the 1920's to the 1930's. I remember in class we discussed the 1930's representing a sort of freeze on movement, economic growth etc. so when the scenes froze and slowed down that was immediately what came to mind. Although, it could be wrong and it could have just been another special effect. All in all, the movie had a level of artistic value that should be appreciate; however, would i sit down and hunt out experimental films after seeing this one? Probably not.