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Showing posts from February, 2023

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari

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      "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" which was released in 1920 is a classic movie that shows its relevance through it s inspiration on modern cinema. The film is a product of the German Expressionist genre which grew partially as a result of Germany banning all non-domestic films in 1916.  The film tells the story of a hypnotist named Dr. Caligari who uses a sleepwalking patient to commit murders. The film's visuals are characterized by the use of sharp-angled sets, weird shapes and an overall dystopian atmosphere, which may serve as a view into the mindset of post-World War 1 Germans. The film played a pivotal role in the beginnings of German Expressionism which sought to express emotions and ideas through stylized visuals and surreal imagery.      The film's constant relevance can also be attributed to its themes, which address the human psyche and the abuse of power by authority figures. The portrayal of Dr. Caligari as a sinister hyp...

Chapter 2: How to Watch a Movie and Kubrick's One-Point Perspective

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     Chapter 2 of Russell Leigh Sharman's "Moving Pictures" explores the role of framing and one-point perspective in film. Framing refers to how the camera is positioned in relation to the subject, determining what is shown in the frame and what is left out. One-point perspective refers to a technique of composition that uses a single vanishing point to create the illusion of depth. According to Sharman, both framing and composition are important tools that filmmakers use to control the audience's perspective and guide their attention. He notes that by carefully choosing how to frame and compose a shot, filmmakers can create an emotional response in the viewer and shape their interpretation of the scene.      In addition to visual elements, Sharman also explores the interaction between sound and movies. He notes that sound has a powerful impact on the viewer's experience and can be used to enhance the emotional impact of a scene. For example, the use of mu...

Chapter 1: A Brief History of Cinema and Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze

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     Chapter 1 of Russell Leigh Sharman's "Moving Pictures" explores the history of film, from its early beginnings to its present day form. According to Sharman, the earliest forms of moving images can be traced back to the late 1800s, with the invention of devices such as the zoetrope and the kinetoscope. The kinetoscope, invented by Thomas Edison, was a motion picture exhibition device that allowed individuals to view short, looping films by peering through a viewing window.      One of the earliest and most famous films created using the kinetoscope was the "Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze," which was produced in 1894. The film is exactly what it sounds like, a record of a man sneezing, and lasts only a few seconds. Despite its simple and seemingly mundane subject matter, the "Edison Kinetoscopic Record of a Sneeze" is considered an important moment in the history of film. The film marked the beginning of a new era in visual storytelling and...