Amidst reading Tom Gunning's chapter "Now You See It, Now You Don't" something I came across reminded me of how early films differ from each other. The narratives and storytelling aspects of these films get more advanced as you move through time. When early film started getting more in depth with the narratives the longer the films become. Gunning brought up a French philosopher: "As Ricoeur argues, it is through this configuration that events become a story and narrative moves beyond the simply chronological" (44 Gunning). This lead me to recall Vampyr (Carl Theodore Dryer, 1932) and how the story was structured different from shorter films that exhibited vaudeville-like performances and scenes.
Vampyr is a silent film much longer than the average, it goes on for a little over an hour. And is not chronological, as in one event happening after another, as Gunning mentions. But rather the events build upon each other.
For example Allan Gray stops at the inn, is visited by a man at night who leaves a haunting message behind. The foreshadowing of events to come build upon each other to create an ultimate climax as a man who is invested in the superstitious.
I agree with your opinion that the more narrative and storytelling are improved, the longer the film could be. And I love how you point out the fact that events build upon each other which really proves your point.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that Vampyr does in some way tell a narrative story but is not done so in a chronological order is interesting. Did you find this enjoyable or do you prefer the a linear narrative?
ReplyDeleteHey love the website and your recent post I definitely agree with what your saying especially with the differences in attractions from vampry and the shorter ones we've watched.
ReplyDeleteAstra, I also felt these films could be seen as empowering but in more of an informative way. For example, I feel they revealed the fact that often the downfall of a woman's success is due to underlying greed from men who manipulate her circumstances so that she will fail. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThis film is such an interesting hybrid. Its a hybrid between sound and silent film since it does include some synchronized dialogue but relies heavily on silent film aesthetics for its soundscape. Similarly, as you have noted, the film really blends a cinema of attractions approach with later narrative film techniques. I love this film for its hybridity.
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