I was somewhat confused by Sitney’s discussion of absolute
animation (Chapter Eight of Visionary Film). First of all there was the
definition of absolute film itself. The term “absolute film” is not mentioned
until the very end of the chapter, and even then the definition was elusive.
The concept of absolute film is mentioned in relation to Jordan Belson, the
last of the filmmakers mentioned in the chapter. Belson’s films are characteristically
cosmic and spiritual. When watching his work, such as Samadhi, which he describes as the only film in which is his
artistic vision was fully realized, one is transported to the wordless depth of
the mind. As with some of his contemporaries and predecessors such as Harry
Smith, there is something inherently introspective about the abstract or
non-objective nature of the works.
https://vk.com/video-59292187_169443314 (Jordan Belson, Samadhi)
However, Sitney is critical of the view of film as a medium
for spiritual transportation. When he quotes Belson’s description of having managed
to fully and artistically manifest an inner vision, which every artist strives
for, Sitney refers to this possibility as a “myth.” While I can understand the
viewpoint that spirituality or God itself are “myths” (regardless of personal
beliefs), the view I extracted from Sitney’s writing – that fully realizing one’s
artistic vision (in film) is unachievable – struck me as extremely
disheartening and something I sincerely hope to be false.
Harry Smith
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