Circus (1936)
Circus upon first impression was interesting. I have ever been one for circus settings. But as the film progressed the story and drama began to unfold and became more enjoyable. There were actually some very amusing scenes, such as the man getting caught in the lion cage and the one man sneaking in to perform with his dog.
In terms of cinematography, one of the things I noticed many times were the irregularly high camera angles. For a film made 80 years ago, I didn't expect expect the camera positions to be so high up. For example, even when the trapeze performers were near the ceiling there would be downward pointing shots as if from their point of view.
Another aspect of filming that Circus does really well are the transitions between scenes, such as the globe and the frosted window.
There was also a very long 'portrait stare' that is reminiscent of the silent films we have watched. After Marion Dixon and her lover Ivan Petrovich finish their small duet they both stare into their reflection for quite a long time.
The majority of the film I felt was full of creativity and didn't seem to exhibit many signs of a propaganda film (or take any particular political stance for that matter). Yet towards the end of this film,we see almost blatantly the opposite case. In other words, it is a clear example of Socialist Realism. As demonstrated in the scene were the child is sung to by various groups of peoples, Soviet Russia seems to value every race is equally without discrimination. The phrase (translated) "In this country..." is repeated several times towards the end and evokes a very patriotic reaction from the audience. In combination with the May Day Parade scene to end the film, the film basically switches from it's normal entertaining countenance to an obvious nationalistic vibe. In the beginning I was asking myself Why would Stalin like this film so much? But after finishing the film I could see why it would be so appealing to him.
In terms of cinematography, one of the things I noticed many times were the irregularly high camera angles. For a film made 80 years ago, I didn't expect expect the camera positions to be so high up. For example, even when the trapeze performers were near the ceiling there would be downward pointing shots as if from their point of view.
Another aspect of filming that Circus does really well are the transitions between scenes, such as the globe and the frosted window.
There was also a very long 'portrait stare' that is reminiscent of the silent films we have watched. After Marion Dixon and her lover Ivan Petrovich finish their small duet they both stare into their reflection for quite a long time.
The majority of the film I felt was full of creativity and didn't seem to exhibit many signs of a propaganda film (or take any particular political stance for that matter). Yet towards the end of this film,we see almost blatantly the opposite case. In other words, it is a clear example of Socialist Realism. As demonstrated in the scene were the child is sung to by various groups of peoples, Soviet Russia seems to value every race is equally without discrimination. The phrase (translated) "In this country..." is repeated several times towards the end and evokes a very patriotic reaction from the audience. In combination with the May Day Parade scene to end the film, the film basically switches from it's normal entertaining countenance to an obvious nationalistic vibe. In the beginning I was asking myself Why would Stalin like this film so much? But after finishing the film I could see why it would be so appealing to him.
I was also impressed with the camera shots. These producers really went above and beyond (literally) to get these shots
ReplyDeleteHow did this not exhibit signs of propaganda because if you believe that we clearly didn't watch the same film. German Bad guy, even Americans want to live in Russia, Russians are happy with the government in Russia.
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DeleteI agree with Andrew that for the first part of the film it's not quite clear what Soviet propaganda idea is being pushed--whereas it all comes forth with a virtual fireworks display at the very end. We can tell throughout that the Germin is the bad guy--but only at the end do we get the message that "the Soviet Union is welcoming to all, etc." I think the film is meant to kind of surprise the viewer in that way...
DeleteThe camera shots were beautifully done! I really love the final circus scene when Marion is on the stage with the dancers and the lights everywhere
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think that the angles that were shot added the needed depth to make the trapeze scenes more intense and beautiful. It really helped to make this movie what it is.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think of the camera angles until you published this. That was very observant of you.
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