Let Whistler turn over in his grave while we enlist him for the cause of
democracy. One view of the technique of this man might summarize it thus:
fastidiousness in choice of subject, the picture well within the frame,
low relief, a Velasquez study of tones and a Japanese study of spaces.
Let us, dear and patient reader, particularly dwell upon the spacing. A
Whistler, or a good Japanese print, might be described as a kaleidoscope
suddenly arrested and transfixed at the moment of most exquisite
relations in the pieces of glass. An Intimate Play of a kindred sort
would start to turning the kaleidoscope again, losing fine relations only
to gain those which are more exquisite and novel. All motion pictures
might be characterized as _space measured without sound, plus time
measured without sound_. This description fits in a special way the
delicate form of the Intimate Motion Picture, and there can be studied
out, free from irrelevant issues.
As to _space measured without sound_. Suppose it is a humorous
characterization of comfortable family life, founded on some Dutch Little
Master. The picture measures off its spaces in harmony. The triangle
occupied by the little child's dress is in definite relation to the
triangle occupied by the mother's costume. To these two patterns the
space measured off by the boy's figure is adjusted, and all of them are
as carefully related to the shapes cut out of the background by the
figures. No matter how the characters move about in the photoplay, these
pattern shapes should relate to one another in a definite design. The
exact tone value of each one and their precise nearness or distance to
one another have a deal to do with the final effect.
We go to the photoplay to enjoy right and splendid picture-motions, to
feel a certain thrill when the pieces of kaleidoscope glass slide into
new places. Instead of moving on straight lines, as they do in the
mechanical toy, they progress in strange curves that are part of the very
shapes into which they fall.
Consider: first came the photograph. Then motion was added to the
photograph. We must use this order in our judgment. If it is ever to
evolve into a national art, it must first be good picture, then good
motion.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account