a propos de nice modernist features

How does a propos de Nice show the features of modernist cinema in the 1920s?

- opening establishing shot allows the audience to view the whole city. also suggests a celebration of modern machines which allow the high establishing shot to to be taken.
- the tilting shots used to capture the cities architecture hints at a critique from Vigo of the upper-class indulgence in luxury, and of the old way of life which created a rigid class divide.
- the stark contrast between the languid nature of the middle-class, and the suffering faced by the working-class acts to condemn the vast class divide, which was persistent in French society until the rise of the left wing working class in the early 20th century. the long shots are used when filming the the contrasting ways of life in order to portray the opulence and luxury of the middle class appearance compared to the deprived working class.
- although Virgo's film lacks the celebratory feel of many modernist films, it does critique the unequal French society which manifested from capitalism and previous fascist leaderships. Virgo doe in this sense present ideas of modernism through the critique of an outdated way of life.

MWAMC question plan

answering MWAMC question:

structure:
point
evidence (micro feature)
analysis (why is this used
meaning (spectators response)
link (constructivism, modernism)

micro features:
editing (slit screen, fast/slow/reverse motion, montage, stop motion, kuleshov effect, double exposure, match dissolve, transition/dissolves)
cinematography (handheld, long shots, shot sizes, tracking, tilts, canted angle, high/low key lighting)
mise-en-scene (costume, setting/location, composition)

key terms:
constructivism (eschews bourgeoisie forms of art/ classical)
modernism 
soviet montage (Rodchenko's photo montage)
realism/ expressionism (abstract)

context:
communism
soviet union
USSR in 1920s

Introduction

introduction:

Man With A Movie Camera, first shown in 1929 and directed by socialist; Vertov, can be related to multiple artistic movements including constructivism and modernism. constructivism was an art movement which emphasises the importance of the construction over the final product. the focus on the filming process during the film coveys this constructivist element. constructivism also celebrates industrialisation, and this is reflected through the films idealisation of modernity and the new soviet society. additionally, modernism is a movement which aims to portray a fascination with modern life, and at the same time presents art in a diverse way, rejecting classical art aimed at both portraying and interesting the bourgeoisie. 'Man With a Movie Camera' embodies these features through its focus on the films production, and its inclusion of people from all sects of life, more specifically average workers who coalesce in the interest of communism.

Vertov utilises the double exposure technique to showcase this new nature of filmmaking, thus linking back to the notion of constructivism. The spectator is presented with a long shot where a man is constructing a movie camera on top of a building over a city. This appears to be an art piece within an art piece; whereby the two pieces of film are laid on top of each other to create one shot. The man is of similar size to the building, thus amplifying the notion that he is "above": an omniscient, omnipotent presence watching over the populace of the city. This may link to the development of camera technology which, in Vertov's eyes, would become a societal phenomenon impacting all walks of life. The unprecedented use of the double exposure exemplifies the contemporary freedom artist had in order to express themselves, which in the near future would be restricted by governmental scrutinisation over all aspects of society.

Vertov's peculiar yet enthralling depiction of the camera appearing to "come to life" through the use of stop-motion, reiterates the notion of how this film celebrates the potential of what a contemporary film could do and laid the foundations for this new constructivist approach to film-making. The implications of the "human camera" not only celebrates the machine but can be viewed as a source of patriotism for the diegetic audience within the scene and the contemporary, Russian spectator at the time, as it shows the sheer robust power of Soviet Russian technology. Furthermore, we are also introduced to some facial close-ups of the diegetic audience appearing to react to the animated object on the screen and they all seem dazzled and mesmerised. Therefore, this establishes the context that despite the atmosphere of pessimism amongst people still suffering the aftershocks of war at the time, this scene would've had a mutual response from the spectator which was a sense of enlightenment and joy. This escape from reality had such a positive,domineering effect on people and re-amplifies the power cinema had and still has today to be used as a scapegoat to take people away from their own lives and indulge them into something unimaginable and unprecedented.

conclusion:

To conclude, the constructivist movement associated with this film is integral to our understanding of the cultural contexts of soviet Russia. construcivism came to existence due to the vast and rapid growth of industrialisation, and the new ideas of modernism, celebrating the modern world of technology and economic progression.

a propos de nice

A Propos de Nice (Vigo) (expressionist documentary) France 1930

realism- as unmediated as possible, simple visual aesthetic, truthful, spectator reflection.
expressionism- highly mediated, highly constructed visual aesthetic, manipulation of truth, reaction from spectator.

this film focuses on class inequalities within nice. Vigo- "a way of life is put on trial"
influenced by Soviet modernism and constructivism.

modernism:
celebrates new exciting world. strong commitment to the machine as a progressive force. celebrates a new way of life. challenges and progresses what's been done before.

constructivism:
use of montage as an editing technique (cinematic version of a collage- non-chronological) creating different thoughts. celebrates the machine/ industrialisation by using montage.

city symphonies:
emerged in the 1920s. a poetic, experimental documentary that presents a portrait of daily life within a city, aiming to capture the city's spirit.

context:
soviet revolution (1929)- socialist unrest across Europe. ideas about working-class changing, power to question wealthy growing rapidly. Spain (Vigo's parents) under military dictatorship. Vigo's father (Anarchist journalist) was killed by the government.
the rich in France lived opulent lives, contrasting from the poor.
Vigo associated with a revolutionary left wing group (LEF group)
Vigo associated with left wing film makers, who were harsh critics of capitalism, also part of LEF group.
wanted to show the boredom of the upper-class lives and the struggle of the poor- contrast between classes.