Sunday, January 27, 2013

Swift Change and Jazz

Begone Dull Care by: Norman McClaren


    Controlled chaos makes the film appear like a jumbled mess and a refined symphony all at once.  The free form jazz movement is interesting because t is a section of music that upon its instillation came off to many as chaotic and unlistenable.  However, attuned to the right ear it's a gorgeous melody of complicated rhythms and notes.  The same can be said for McClaren's film.

    If you watch close enough their are patterns and motifs that give the film a theme.  I found it hard to look away simply due to there being very few repeated frames.  Everything was new and everything was different.  Besides the last 1/4th of the film the set images changes every 10-15 seconds.  With that in mind, this piece works almost as an installation than a stand alone film.  The consistent stimulation calls for the viewer's 100% visual commitment, because a blink will make you miss so much.  Kind of like life, right?  Nah.  Can't be.