Working with Duration & Performance

In my own opinion, these films, accept for a few, are very nail bending, hair pulling and are utterly despicable in taste when it comes to film. But as required, I am to give my own interpretation on the genres of film, so here is my two cents.

There were a series of film artist's that were presented to me regarding duration and performance. In my opinion, some of these film artist's didn't appeal or even make me want to watch their work again. They are as follows:



Bruce Nauman

Bruce Nauman created films that were of the abstract nature and were very lengthy in manner. There is no plot, just repetitive motions in the films that I see by him which include "Stamping in the Studio" and also "Walking in an Exaggerated Manner...”. I did not like them, I did not understand them nor do I even care to.

Joan Jonas

Joan Jonas and her film "Vertical Roll" hurt my eyes and gave me a head ache. The constant flickering of the film and the vague images were not very appealing but appalling. Although there was a nude woman in the film, it took forever to actually make out that it was in fact a nude woman. Apparently at the end of the film, the message is that the person in the film is watching you watching them.

Vito Acconci

 

Then there is this nut case- Vito Acconci. He created this film called "Theme Song" that is apparently a theme of someone trying to hit on the viewer using the most horrible pickup lines. The film goes on for about 30 minutes or more with him smoking a cigarette, playing different songs from a tape deck singing horribly to them and trying to get someone to believe his horrible pickup lines. He says things like that he’s so alone and how he wants to be with someone, to be close to them, to have their body close to his body. But, I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder because according to Mabsurda, who uploaded Accnci's Film to You Tube, says "The dynamic tension between 'I and you,' artist and viewer, is perhaps most brilliantly realized in 'Theme Song'...”. I beg to differ.

 

Now, onto some film artist's that are awe inspiring, who knew what they were doing, who had meaning or something eye catching in thier films .

 

William Wegman created some short films that had amusing themes and skits that were more enjoyable to watch then the previouse Film Artist's mentioned. Wegman incorporates his pet dog into his films and also wise cracks that help draw the viewer's attention.  Wegmans Film's are very enjoyable, creative, inspiring and not boring at all.

Then there's this crazy lady who turns everyday kitchen items into weapons!?! Woe to the man that marries and crosses her! Martha Rosler created this film called "Semiotics in the Kitchen" during the Feminist Movement. It depicts an upcoming genre that is out of the ordinary and is along the lines of women burning bras, but using kitchen appliances and cooking utensils in a violent and also destructible manner. I think that the message of the film is to realize that women are not going to be bound to the kitchen as mere house wives anymore and are going to be independent to do as they please.

 

Last but not least is the film maker Corinna Schnitt who made the film" Once upon a Time". This film is awesome; it was so creative whereas it had different animals in a living room. I won’t give any spoiler's because I highly advise that people watch and share this film. It’s cute, clever, creative and not a waste of your time. Unfortunately, I could not find the Video to upload it. But I've attached some clips to give you a sneak preview. Believe me, this film is great!

Heres a link to her Web Site.

http://www.corinnaschnitt.de/