Films/DVD Asylum

Vertov's classic silent era "Man With the Movie Camera:"

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for those who thought City of God's director had a frenetic pace... best avoid this film. It makes the Brasilian's effort seem molasses-slow.
I was amazed at the beauty of the cinematography and especially by the Fx that is so much better than the digitized crap we get today (compare 2001 and SW, I dare ya).
Anyhow, Vertov was anti-film and it shows. After the first 10 minutes, it takes a Russian-sized force of will to watch this through to the end.
Avant-garde film is wonderful because it exposes other directors to new ideas.
An entire film of it is like asking for a beer and getting a one liter tankard of froth.

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Much has been written on it... - Victor Khomenko 16:08:07 11/22/05 (2)
...so I'm not going to repeat it, but one should not watch it as another movie, and one should be somewhat prepared, read about it and its creator (born Denis Abramovich Kaufman), then it will make more sense and it will start talking to you right away, allowing you to absorb it.
A very interesting experiment.
- I didn't mean to imply one shouldn't see it: it's a brilliant - tinear 05:57:12 11/24/05 (1)
  film. I disagree that a work of art needs to be researched, however, prior to being seen. Art should stand on its own two feet or it is not true "art."
  Vertov (or Abramovich) certainly created a masterpiece but it has massive flaws, as well. He obviously influenced Leni Riefenstahl, as can be seen in her film of the Olympiad.
  "Man..." has many unforgettable images of beauty and genius but it's a feast of the best foods thrown together more or less haphazardly upon a table.
  Bunuel and Cocteau did much the same thing in their experimental film but progressed. I don't know that Vertov did because of his philosophical ideology?
  All film connoiseurs must see this film.
  - I didn't say you did, but... - Victor Khomenko 07:20:09 11/24/05 (0)
    ...regarding the need to research... many artworks, not just films, often benefit from prior knowledge of history - both general and an artist in question in particular. While it is true that a work of art should be recognizable (generally speaking) as such upon just stumbling over it, they universally grow stronger feet with knowledge.
    Vertov's film is interesting all by itself, but you are bound to appreciate it much more after reading on him and his works.
    BTW - a very minor clarification note - Abramovich was his paternal name (meaning his father's first name was Abram - a Russian for Abraham), not surname, which was Kaufman. Gotta be careful with those Russian names.

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