Response for Wednesday Nov. 14th

All of the films viewed in class this past week have an ostensibly unique quality about them. I particularly enjoyed Maya Deren's 1947 short "Meshes of the Afternoon". Not only was this film ahead of it's time (as far as psychological independent thrillers go), but it was well-crafted in a variety of different forms. For one I noticed that the use of sound to this picture complemented the flow of images, moods, and settings perfectly. With such dark eerie themes of murder and mysterious shadowy figures, the film reflected a sense of conflict and possibly an internal battle or struggle within the psyche of our main character. Along with these disturbing themes, you have a grim-like haunting musical score which only characterizes and illustrates this effect even further. It almost seemed like there was a bit of Asian cultural influence in the sound, like a harp or flute that we would hear in films like Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" or "Seven Samuraii." In addition this aspect, there was a very deep toned organ sound when the suspense built up, sounding both ironically corny and quite chilling at the same time (Similar to that in the 1964 comedy "A Shot in the Dark"). The dark moods were also fluctuated by dark scenes and subject matter. Take for instance the use of black and white. Honestly, whether it was capable or not with this piece, would the film have the same lasting effect if presented in color? My guess is probably not. The fact that this film was shot in this manner makes it much easier and simplistic for the actors as well. As we follow the camera up the staircase, around the garden, through the window, the consistency of light and shadows undoubtedly outweighs and overpowers any specific individual performance (I'm sure Orson Welles would be proud). This again is credited to the masterful use of sound and cinematography that we followed from beginning to end. Very smooth flow, great attention to detail...excellent film.