Some Words; Some Boundaries: Week 1, January 22-28

Michael Snow challenges his viewers in unique and provocative ways centered in the medium of time. His work demonstrates a cultural commentary and relevance, as seen to the right and in his challenging 1982 film So Is This. Snow makes a very tough film to watch, which is almost constantly building some sort of unknown anticipation which never really comes, though getting to the end is a reward in itself. While it may be tough to watch at first So Is This gives a great insight and perspective to those viewers willing to watch (and not lsiten). Lack of sound and real image pits the audience in an oddly comfortable situation of silent group reading. The written dialogue on-screen is presented with rhythm and in a time that manages to make statements carry and emotion or meaningful movement with them, just as a standard film. His simplicity allows for a greater interpretation and understanding. His use of rhythm and language is a surprisingly powerful culture commentary with many allusions to society.
To me the best parts of this film were the images, which is surprising because they are just single words on a black screen. Snow's manipulation of time changes these ordinary words into something else and his way of presenting them with slightly varying different visual qualities(size, his shots of his film on another screen, the slight use of color) allows for alternate ways of viewing. For some reason his film reminded me of a sort of slightly arrogant, all knowing, witty robot/alien talking to me like i was in the movie Sphere.
- I wonder if Snow studied or researched anything related to subtitles in order to make this film.
- Staring at the words on the screen for long periods of time sometimes transformed them into other objects or words.
- Trying to please everybody is not the best policy.
- The fact that he knew how many frames he wanted each word to occupy before he shot anything is unbelieveable.
- "If you don't learn from history it is bound to repeat itself." Just like our current situation in Iraq is all too similar to the time period and commentary of Snow.


Topics covered in class relate to Film 210 and the concepts presented by John Berger in his book Ways of Seeing. Berger says, "Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak...The way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe." However what we know never quite agrees with what we see. Magritte puts this concept in a surrealist painting entitled The Key of Dreams.

The films and concepts also give insight and inspiration to the 16 mm film project in film 220: Basic Elements of Filmmaking I.

In succession to Snow's piece was a more modern, straightforward digital animation by filmmaker Jacqueline Goss. Her short entitled There There Square (2002) seemed to me like an insightful commentary on perspectives. Her information and this way it was presented not only carried a deeper meaning but it was also interesting to read. While the animation was primitive and almost annoyingly bright the movement and text kept attention. Goss is also able to make a personal connection with many people through a video which is not only silent but does not present any real visually entertaining objects besides pictures of individual interpretations of a United States map. Most impressive is Goss' ability to use such a "deceptively simple," principle to produce potential revelations (personal, political, historical).

- It is interesting to think that the "correct" version of the United States now was completely based off of personal perspective, which is often good intentioned but still incorrect.

- The film carries a dominant, controlling feel addressing the audience as "you," sometimes even telling them about themselves. When it is true it becomes very effective, but it could also alienate viewers if they cannot assimilate with what she is saying.