Experimental Film: Outside the Mainstream

The meaning behind experimental film is not something that many in their life time will try to understand. Without readings like Bordwell and Thompson's"Film Experiments Outside the Mainstream Industry" the history, techniques, and overall culture would be lost forever. Some films may be documented in writing, but lost never to be seen again. 

Ruttman's description "moving paintings" stood out to me. The last blog post I shared a video about a Dali painting that was made into a virtual experience you can walk around in. It's without a doubt that that we have to thank these pioneers of experimental film for where we are today in art.  

Artist's have a meaning that influences the work, but as we've learned from the experiments, the process will also influence the work. The artist with passion will lose themselves in the process, but find their meaning as well.

I found an interesting first hand look at an early way to create geometric patterns in film. Combining a light with objects that reflect and stressing the direction creates gorgeous waves and shapes, 1930's.