Assignment #1 Write up
As far as postproduction, I edited the piece with after effects, a program I had never used before and just learned as I went along. I flipped through each individual clip (there ended up being about 20 of them) and found certain images that I found successful, after which finding a logical way to sequence them, and tried to create a story from there. In the end, It seems that each character has a certain story behind them. The white phantom and the other hooded apparition play a game, the phantom searching for knowledge, while the hooded apparition delves deeply in his mind, inevitably loosing control. The game they play is that of power. Introvert vs. Extrovert. The gypsy character sits back and tells the fortune (or misfortune) of each player. Lastly, the Christ figure (or anti) haunts the White phantom as he treks toward cognitive progression. In the end, they take their moves (in the game of chess); and let the world fall around them, going back to the beginning ( looking inside themselves for what it is they seek) and experience spiritual bliss.
The music was a last minute decision. I was inspired Kenneth Anger, in his utilization pop music of the 60’s as the soundtrack to somewhat cult like occurrences. I thought it would be an uncomfortable contrast in the mind of the viewer, possibly making them uneasy. I feel like it throws more and more emotions at them that way. I also did a version with the sound reversed with delay on it, I feel this is probably more fitting, but I think I am happier with the musical version. Hopefully, they won’t know what to feel. Though, I’m not sure if I think the music was a COMPLETE success. If I had more time to work on it, I’m certain I could arrange it more successfully.
You use lots of layering and cross dissolves creating strange compositions and movement. The video is very non linear and chaotic, which I think works well. You use a combination of quick pace cuts and slower pace cuts which adds a good variety. I really like the strangeness of this video but I would like to see more locations to add to the randomness.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see more close ups of the cards on the chess table, I think that they could have worked to break up the transparent aesthetic a bit, and this would make the transparent shots even more confusing and unsettling. The flowers seemed to structure the film, they repeated the most, and every time they were doing something very different. The overall confusion came across very well, the circusy colors really add to this, and I think the kenneth anger inspired music does contribute to this feeling of uneasiness.
ReplyDeleteI did think that aesthetically this piece was very interesting. All of the shots seemed very thought out. It was a little creepy at times, while compelling and even humorous at others. I liked the switch from forward to backward movement in some scenes. Overall the vibe that I get from this video was a nursery story gone wrong (in a good way.) As far as you trying to develop characters and stories for the characters I will have to say, honestly, that I did not catch that. (Although, truthfully I wasn't look for it either.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scene was the one with the two characters playing chess with the tarot cards in between them.
Good use of camera angles and choppy editing to pursue that sense of uneasiness you talked about.
Response to Andrew:
ReplyDeleteYeah, None of that was intended or anything like that. I made that up after the fact based on what was in front of me. I defiantly shot with no direction. I guess it's my interpretation of my own work.