FILM ESSAY

Nosferatu - German expressionism

The film chosen in relation to German Expressionism is Nosferatu: Symphony of Horrors (1922) directed by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau.
The film is a graphic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. The plot is fairly similar to the novel, with some significant changes with regards to certain characters (as well as their names). Its genre is horror and durates for an hour.

Based in the 19^th century, the plot revolves around Count Orlok’s (Dracula) plot to leave the dangers of living in Transylvania and live off the living in Wisborg, a village in Germany (in contrast to London in the novel) and Thomas Hutter’s (Jonathan Harker) plan to save his love and the village.

Just to start, German expressionism is a movement in art, literature and media that developed due to the reaction of Germany’s younger generation against Germany’s bourgeois during the time period between 1920 and 1927. The style was unique as the work created involved  psychological, political, social as well as cultural responses. All this began when the German Expatriates including filmmakers moved to America between 1920’s and 30’s and there was a high influence on the style of filmmaking in Hollywood especially in the lighting effects.

In fact, the film Nosferatu is a key example of German expressionism. Lighting, music, character portrayal and setting all highlight the emotional aspects of this movement. Also, the narrative itself highlights a social issue that was a global health concern around the world: The Black Plague:

(Screenshot from the film, taken by Windows Media Player)

The Black Plague is portrayed in the film as Count Orlok’s effect on people, symbolized by the rats that follow him.

The music and character portrayal are both synced together to bring out the film’s emotions through the characters and the ongoing plot (the basic message of German Expressionism). Certain characters, such as Orlok, are emphasised by different instruments. Orlok’s case was done by shrill high notes played by organs.

The lighting and setting of the film is also synced as the contrasting black and white colours and locations with different shades and areas that were present in the times of Germany (such as the German salt storehouses in Lubeck, Germany). Murnau with the help of the scriptwriter, Henrik Galeen, wanted the film’s colours to also bring out the genre (horror) of the film, especially in suspenseful scenes. The framing of the characters also brings out the beauty of this form of Expressionism; the below picture shows Orlok’s shadow. Just the shadow’s position and posture emphasizes the horrifying and evil character of Orlok.

 (Screenshot from the film, taken by Windows Media Player)

There are some of point of views such as Close ups, Cut-Ins and Mid-shots which highlight different emotions as well as Long shots that set the scene. But most importantly the visual styles are cleverly manipulated in order to bring out the genre’s film. Night scenes, dark intense shadows on the walls, grotesque figures, deep focus camera shots and low-key lighting are all combined to create such a horror film. Another important aspect is the use of Chiaroscuro: the use of areas of light and darkness in a painting: (by Caravaggio) which clearly develops a bold contrast affecting the whole composition of the scene.

To Sum up, Nosferatu which is closely related to German expressionism, gives this horrifying taste through different aspects. As discussed above, there is a significant influence by the German filmmakers mainly on the Visual styles; the Chiaroscuro. Even if no one talks in the whole film, it is still a successive one and I believe that today's filmmakers will seek relative inspiration in order to build their own.

Bibliography:

Movie List on mubi.com. 2013. German Expressionism: The World of Light and Shadow. [ONLINE] Available at: <http://mubi.com/lists/german-expressionism-the-world-of-light-and-shadow>. [Accessed 18 December 2013].

Guides for the UMD community at University of Maryland Libraries. 2013. About German Expressionism - German Expressionism Collection. [ONLINE] Available at: <http://lib.guides.umd.edu/content.php?pid=231868&sid=1918114> [Accessed 18 December 2013].

Camera Shots. 2013. Camera Shots. [ONLINE] Available at:<http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/> [Accessed 18 December 2013].

IMDb. 2013. Nosferatu (1922). [ONLINE] Available at: <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013442/?ref_=nv_sr_1> [Accessed 18 December 2013].

ART ESSAY

Cubism

In this essay, I am going to discuss Cubism, a revolutionary style of modern art which originated in Paris, 1907. Two of the main artists which contribute to this artistic movement are Picasso and Braque. I chose this particular movement since it is the key principal for other later movements such as Constructivism and Futurism. Cubism introduced a new way of seeing art making it more abstractive and focusing more on certain viewpoints rather than the whole scene.

So basically, there was a time in society where culture developed technology, cinematography, photography and factories were evolving very fast making it difficult for the artists like Picasso and Braque challenging to reflect on these modern aspects using the usual trusted tradition. Photography was also making it difficult for artists since taking a photo is a much more clear and fast illustration rather than painting the object/ scene itself. Nowadays, technology is so advanced that cameras are available in markets with reasonable prices and almost everyone owns a camera by now.

From the beginning of the Renaissance time period, there had been a target in art which incorporates perspective and the goal of any artist was to make the painting look three-dimensional and somehow close to reality. But due to the sophisticated technology and modernized society, Picasso and Braque had to adopt new ways of tackling their ideas making them more abstractive and flat (two-dimensional).

At a later stage, Paul Cezanne was influenced by Picasso and Braque’s paintings. He wasn’t actually focusing on the depth and the perspective of the drawing but tried to make the difference between painting and reality. So basically, what he did was flatted the space and emphasized more on the surface of the painting itself; the construction and the arrangements of colors he used.

 This is one of his Cubist painting which illustrates what has been discussed above

PAUL CÉZANNE (1839-1906)
'Bibemus Quarry', 1895 (oil on canvas)

Cubism- The first style of abstract art, 2013. Cubism. (online) Available at: < http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/art_movements/cubism.htm>  (Accessed 16 December 2013)

Furthermore, perspective was limitating the Cubist from getting beyond his imagination and paint what he really likes of the object. In fact, when you paint something from a single view point this limits the rest of the object which is invisible for you. But what the cubists wanted to introduce was the idea of relativity; how the artist perceives and selects elements from the subject, fusing both his observations and memories into the one concentrated image. To do this the Cubists examined the way that we see.

When you look at an object, your eyes start going up and down, sideways.. and you see some details that interest you more than the rest of the other features in the object. Even today, when someone observes a painting maybe in an exhibition he won’t just see from one single view point but will judge it from every angle and side of it. Therefore, the Cubists proposed that your sight of an object is the sum of many different views and your memory of an object is not constructed from one angle, such as perspective, but from many angles selected by your sight and movement. A typical cubist painting will show you a real object but not from a single view point. It will show you some parts combined with different angles and reconstructed into a composition of planes, forms and colours. The idea of space is reconfigured and the views become interchangeable elements in the design of the painting.

Cubists were also reflecting on different types of cultures (apart from their own) they found inspiration particularly from African culture. They were not interested in their religion but only influenced from their expressive style was essential for them.

 LEFT: Pablo Picasso, 'Head of a Woman', 1907 (oil on canvas)

RIGHT: Dan Mask from West Africa

Cubism- The first style of abstract art, 2013. Cubism. (online) Available at: < http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/art_movements/cubism.htm>  (Accessed 16 December 2013)

At around 1912 Picasso and Braque’s paintings were becoming predictable and very abstractive. So Picasso to break this chain of constancy began to make his art less abstractive and by gluing printed images (collage making) from the ‘real world’  he revitalized the style and pulled it back from total abstraction.

To sum up, Cubism was split in Analytical Cubism (1907-1912); painting objects seeing them through different viewpoints and mashing them up, and Synthetic Cubism (1912 onwards) which is less abstractive and more freehand.  When Cubism spread in Europe there emerged other movements such as Expressionism. All in all, Cubism ignores the traditions of perspective drawing and shows you many views of a subject at one time.

Bibliography:

Cubism- The first style of abstract art, 2013. Cubism. (online) Available at: < http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/art_movements/cubism.htm>  (Accessed 16 December 2013)

DESIGN ESSAY

Constructivism

I’m going to discuss Constructivism which particularly interested me most because there is a significant relation to architecture and this embraces mostly creativity. Also, one can say that this design movement has effected mostly our buildings and the way we express ourselves especially when it comes to abstractive ideas. By this time, designers and architects have cultivated their own ideas and meanwhile were influenced from that time period where constructivist art was at its peek.

Constructivist architecture is a form of modern architecture and knows its origin from Russia in early 1919 the time when the constructivist were creating new mass production techniques and where changing society from an agricultural one to make it more industrialized. Also graphic design, film making, and photography evolved to a higher stage while machines and tools were being enhanced due to the progressive technological visions.

The principles of constructivism came from Suprematism (art and design which is completely innovative and does not depend on older influences), Newo Plasticism and Bauhaus. If we can point out some elements of constructivist architecture we can mention the geometrical shapes such as cylinders, cubes and other forms with straight lines.

The Constructivist visual style of clean lines, pure shapes, flat colours and formal order is still instantly recognisable in design today. It was transmitted by way of the Bauhaus and the New Typographers of Weimar Germany to the Swiss designers of the 1950s and 1960s, who developed the International Style that continues to set the parameters for much contemporary design: witness for example the current trend for flat design amongst digital designers.

An example of such architecture

Russia- Ukraine-Travel, 2010. Russian Architecture. (online) Avaliable at: <http://www.russia-ukraine-travel.com/russian-and-ukrainian-architecture.html>

(Accessed 16 December 2013)                      

In fact, the reason why I chose to focus particularly on architecture because apart from which the subject interests me for my future work and inspirations, it also gives the building a character or maybe an identity. This can be shown by how large and solid the building looks, how lines were joined precisely and how windows are manipulated to make the building more appealing for the public and hence eye catching. These features may also help me reflect more about the visual product while getting some ideas and reduce them in a simple and possible way.

Ricky’s Memoris, n.d. Mid valley tower. (online) Available at: <http://rickycarter93.blogspot.com/2013/08/mid-valley-tower.html>

(Accessed 16 December2013)

Constructivist architecture had introduced a strange new alien dimension to Russia's ancient skylines. Howerver in 1924, when John Lenin died, it was Stalin’s time to rise upon him and he insisted that all future design should abide by the conservative neoclassical style of Socialist Realism.

Nowadays, architects and designers are still being influenced from previous Constructivist aesthetic values and by acknowledging the fundamentals of architecture they work to come up with such stylish buildings such as the Mid Valley Tower, 60-storey office tower, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Taking everything into account, Constructivism has effected cultural developments even though if it lasted for only about five years, it led to a new perspective and changed ways of approaching abstractive ideas in order to make it 3D but still physically possible. I believe that architecture did evolve through constructivism but yet there are still many designs and styles to discover in order to build for a more realistic environment.

Bibliography:

Creative Bloq, n.d. The easy guide to design movements: Constructivism. (online) Available at: <http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/easy-guide-design-movements-constructivism-10134843>  (Accessed 16 December 2013)

                                                                                       

Word of Level Design, 2009. Constructivist Architecture. (online) Available at: <http://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/architecture/constructivist_architecture/constructivist_architecture.php> (Accessed 16 December 2013)

 

Movement related to Design, Film and Art

Hannah Hoch

Hoch was a Dada artist. Dadaism was a movement which started in Switzerland 1916.  Dada was a consequence of the horrors of World War I. This international movement was begun by a group of artist and poets associated with the Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich. Dada rejected reason and logic, prizing nonsense and some kind of irritation.

Context of practice, 2012. Advertising. (online) Available at < http://a-mushtaq1114-dc.blogspot.com/2012/04/study-task-5-advertising.html> (Accessed 28 October 2013)

So basically, this is an example of a photomontage made by Hoch. The irregular mounted photos clearly indicate some movement. These are all jumbled up and no feeling or message is conveyed at all. Therefore, it is hard to find an interpretation of this meaningless work. One could observe several objects with different themes. The concept is not clearly being brought out due to this collage which creates confusion. The observer has to look through each and every photo in order to capture some ideas of his and this brings out some movement as well. The geometric lines also help in this case.

Personal reflections

To sum up, the Dada movement represents the opposite of what art really meant. It is wasn’t there for a positive reason, in fact it ignored the values of aesthetics and was being identified as ‘anti-art’ the opposite of art that expresses messages and makes sense. The lines of force, the repetition of such motifs, collage and the inclusion of typographical elements devastate so much of the art’s usual motto. Dada made a gateway between the image and the word. However, in spite of all these notations, the Dada movement was still recognized as a step further in art history and managed to succeed even if it wasn’t the real intention of creativity.

Dadaism, n.d. (online) Available at <http://www-scf.usc.edu/~sniles/dadaism.htm> (Accessed 28 October 2013)

Movement related to Design, Film and Art

William Morris

Morris, known as an English textile designer, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and promoted the Arts and Crafts Movement. He was inspired mostly by nature and by time became more abstractive who seed mythical creatures as a source of inspiration. He also believed that hand crafts are superior than machine made production.

Art and Artists, 2012. Jasmine wallpaper 1872. (online) Available at http://3.bp.blogspot.com/HrVeFyZs4Kw/TyZ8nsftUfI/AAAAAAAAIjY/VNwMrUS41rk/s1600/JasmineWallpaper_Morris.jpg (Accessed 28 October 2013)

In this wallpaper, we see a domination of the colour green which is boosting out the whole concept. By the curves of the organic shapes and leaves tangled together, we can observe some movement. The vibrancy of the colour green also invites the viewer to observe the shapes and forms in this wallpaper.  One could also notice the different types of leaves and flowers which contrast each other in shapes and also colour. The leaves going in all directions and being spread all over the wallpaper also enhance the feeling of movement.

Personal Reflections

As we can see, Morris is not idealizing the form of nature but is bringing out his work in a more abstractive way. In fact he uses simple forms and does not seek much detail but only the general idea of leaves and flowers are being conveyed. This wallpaper has plain linear shapes and a flourishing background which gives energy and life to this wallpaper. Also by that time, the machine made products were somehow degrading and dehumanizing such forms. It was not important any more to imitate nature. By that time technology was developing quite fast and this progressive behaviour led to the Arts and Crafts movement.  

Movement related to Art, Design, Film

Edgar Degas

One of the founders of Impressionism although he calls himself a Realist. Degas born in France 1834 whose work depicts mostly dancers. His work particularly conveys a lot of movement mainly from renditions of dancers, and female nudes.

Edgar Degas- At the Races (1877-1880) Oil On Canvas

(online) Available at <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Edgar_Degas_-_At_the_Races.jpg> (Accessed 27 October 2013)

Firstly, this painting appears more like a snapshot rather than a painting and there is a lot of movement one could observe. In fact, if we take a closer look to the horse at the back his front and back legs are widely spaced and this indicates that it is in  running at a certain speed. Moreover if we observe the other horse we can see that its back left leg is about to make a step forward and even his tail is shifting from side to side. The use of colours and the brush strokes making a rough texture on the ground also help in bringing out movement.

Personal Reflections

This painting depicts the idea of a normal photograph which is captured randomly during horse races. In fact the painting is decentralized and not focused on a particular object. It just depicts a scene from daily life. In fact Impressionists were criticized of painting meaningless with imprecise use of space and lack modelling like it had used to be in academic art. Developments in photography also influenced Degas and the rest of the Impressionists. Also this time was perceived as a golden age in the arts where artists acquired wealth and became famous.

Edgar Degas, n.d. The complete works. (online) Available at <http://www.edgar-degas.org/> (Accessed 27 October 2013)

Movement related to Art, Design, Film

Dante Gabriel Rossetti

A well known, complex, painter in the Pre-Raphaelites time period, recognized by Walter Pater and John Ruskin as the most important and original artistic force in the second half of the nineteenth century in Great Britain.

Pre-Raphaelite Marriages: Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Elizabeth Siddal

In this painting created by the deeply flawed painter Rossetti, I can see movement in various areas mainly on the sea shore where there is that white foaming which is forming by some small waves. Also as we observe the drapery of Siddal, it is clear that it is not folding down due to gravity but is being kind of filled with air and this means there is wind blowing from in front of them. We can also notice Siddal’s hair which seems like floating and also that string tied up with Rossetti’s hat which is fluttering with a breath taking sea breeze. Even the texture of the painting helps a lot  in bringing out the sense of movement and also the position of Rossetti’s left foot is indicating that they are about to move a step forward and walk by the sea side.

Personal Reflections:

This romantic scene is clearly one of the Pre-Raphaelite’s varied treated subjects inspired from literary sources that gave a moral theme. It depicts harmony and piece between the two as they are walking side by side and hand in hand. The colours used in this painting bring a warm feeling and this is also emphasized by the time of the day. I believe that is sunset.

Pre-Raphaelite Sisterhood, n.d. Pre-Raphaelite Marriages: Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Elizabeth Siddal. (Online) Available at <http://preraphaelitesisterhood.com/pre-raphaelite-marriages-dante-gabriel-rossetti-and-elizabeth-siddal/> (Accessed October 27 2013)

 

Thor - Film

Thor 2011

This action film depicts the story of a fantasy world where there is Thor (brilliantly played by Chris Hemsworth) who wants to be the king after his father but because he is so stubborn and arrogant this father casts him down to Earth in order to prove himself worthy. However, his step-brother Loki takes advantage of the situation and attempts the fall of Thor’s kingdom so that his own kind would reign upon them. Eventually, Thor becomes aware of this through the help of his friends and while falls in love with a human being, he has to go back and save his kingdom.

Thor- Behind the Scenes, 2011. Thor. (online) Available at

http://www.rancidrainbow.com/freakshow/wp-content/gallery/thor-behind-the-scenes/thorbehindscenes002.jpg (Accessed 27 October 2013)

When we’re talking about a film with adventure, the feeling of movement comes across naturally. In this screen shot we can see the protagonist with his friends running towards the camera although the camera angle is slightly downwards to show us all the actors' faces while running since they are running randomly. This is similar to a wide shot and we can also see the background where the soldiers are standing still in contrast with the moving actors which are a bit distorted.

YouTube. 2013. Thor Gets Back His Power. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCjPBpdlccM. [Accessed 18 December 2013].

This video clip features both stillness and movement and time as well. In fact, it begins with a slow motion and this effect brings more tension in the viewer making the moment more stressful and longer. It also emphasizes the decision made by the main character which changes everything. Exactly after that we can see a wide shot where the view is so far from the subject that he isn't even visible. This is done to show us the devastation done by the robot.

In 1.45min we start seeing faces and lots of expressions. This is a close up shot so we can sort of feel their emotions and maybe try to empathize thus  imagining what it would be like to be in their situation.

Personal Reflections:

The film was worth watching. There is a wide variety of camera movements and angles and when combined, they create a certain genre which in this case is fantasy and adventure.  We could also have discussed the costumes and the choice of music. For example in that video clip, at the beginning of it, sounds were really low and everything was slowed down even camera movements so we can enter in the actor’s situation and kind of prepare ourselves for a change ( in his case resignation)

IMDb, n.d. Thor. (online) Available at <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800369/?ref_=nv_sr_2> (Accesed 27 October 2013)

Camera Shots. 2013. Camera Shots. [ONLINE] Available at:<http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/> [Accessed 18 December 2013].

Jack the Giant Slayer - Film

Jack the Giant Slayer 2013

This film depicts a story of a young farmer Jack, who unintentionally gets possession of some beans which are able to give access between two worlds. Back in history, these two had an unfinished debate and during the second meeting with the princess, the beans unleash the connection between the two and the princess ends up in the reign of the giants. This is where Jack (played by Nicholas Hoult) and the crew depart for this journey to get back the princess while risking their kingdom’s fall due to another unexpected war.

The Cloister Castle

Housing Interactive, 2003. Let 2013′s Wildest and Wackiest Movie Homes Inspire You. (online) Available at <http://www.housinginteractive.com/global-realtor-blog/movie-homes-2013/> (Accessed 27 October 2013)

It is evident that a lot of movement was captured in this scene. I chose this in particular to observe the actions which are happening in the area. Horses which are running straight to the castle, fire burning and smoke coming up of the sea surface clearly shows us the stage of a battle. All this rush is being brought out by the outbreak of a war between Jack’s kingdom and the reign of the Giants. As for camera position, it is quite a long shot to bring out the element of a battle and the castle which is seen to prepare defending its kingdom by the use of fire.

You Tube, 2013. Jack the Giant Slayer Movie CLIP - Run! (2013) - Nicholas Hoult Movie. [ONLINE] Available at:<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4roqTB4eqH0>. [Accessed 18 December 2013].

In this one minute of shooting, it’s all about how to capture all that movement.

In the beginning there was this extreme wide shot from behind to establish the shot. At first there is no sound except for the voice of Jack which is yelling run.. however horses are still moving slowly so at first there was stillness.

Moreover as the princess realises that there are giants behind.. we see her in this close up shot to show us how surprised and astonished she is. In all of a sudden, the next shot is again extremely wide and shows all of the giants coming out from the forest with a high pitch of sound of the actors screaming and yelling and lots of movement. So here we could say that camera movement and sound was combined to bring this drastic change across.

Something which I also noticed was at 0.37 the camera angle was slightly lowered down to the ground to show us that the giants are reaching the soldiers from behind. In fact, the giants grew bigger in three seconds and with the help of the lowered down shooting, it was more effective.

Personal Reflections:

On the whole, the film was worth watching with lots of action. The plot was well planned and achieved certain goals. Costumes were adequate for that certain time period which I believe that was around the 14^th century from the way castles were built, society which was still divided; the very rich (bourgeoisie)  and the poor villagers (proletariat).

IMDb, n.d. Jack the Giant Slayer. (online) Available at <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1351685/?ref_=nv_sr_1>  ( Accessed 27 October 2013)

Camera Shots. 2013. Camera Shots. [ONLINE] Available at:<http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/> [Accessed 18 December 2013].