Strike: Opening Sequence analysis

Strike: Opening sequence- analysis notes:

1. Why might expressive tendencies have emerged within the silent film period?

Plan:

Bazin’s realist theory:

• He believed that realism was the only way to make true cinema
• No fancy camera work, shots on location with real people
• He presented a new take on cinema to compete with German Expressionism and Soviet Montage. 
• Often used the long-takes and deep focus 

Why expressive techniques emerged: 

• Use visuals to tell the story- visual elements and representation 
• No ambient sound 
• Used as propaganda 
• No colour

Expressive tendencies in opening sequence:

• Manipulation of time 
• Expressive and exaggerated camera angles 
• Kuleshov effect
• Audience is told what to believe and think 
• Montage editing- use of cross fades/ rhythmic montage editing 
• German expressionism through silhouettes and shadows 
• Shallow depth of field
• Circular imagery- graphical match cuts

Expressive tendencies might have emerged within the silent film period as visuals elements were used to tell a story, due to the fact there was no ambient sound or dialogue, and was thought to be important when promoting the film as propaganda. Andre Bazin disagreed with the expressionist movement and believed that realism was the true cinema, which included simple camera work and shots on location with real people, often using long takes and deep focus. He presented a new take on cinema to compete with expressionist cinema, like German Expressionism and the Soviet Montage. For example, in the opening sequence, montage editing is used in the form of rhythmic montage, using a fast cutting rate and short takes to establish the frantic tone of the workers in the factory. As well as this Eisenstein experiments with time and manipulates it, for example images of the factory workers are sped up and reversed to reflect the fast paced of the industrial age.