The Existentialist (1963)

I suppose, in introducing Leon Prochnik's The Existentialist, I could pound out a few hundred words on form, draw a parallel or two with earlier works, toss in the names Bunuel and Keaton, render some empty judgment on the film's place in the Cinema of its day; I could do all of those things. I guess. But . . . really, all you need to know about today's offering is this:

No film of its time or any other encapsulated so neatly, so lyrically, the attitude lurking in the heart of what used to be known as The New American Cinema.

You'll see what I mean.

Tom Sutpen

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Existentialist
• Leon
• Prochnik
• Cinema

[Tasutpen]

Hey hey hey. Cut out this brawling or take it over to Lonelygirl15's videos

(and you're correct. This film is very much in the New American Cinema tradition, short as it was).

[abrahm714]

This film reminds me of the novel"Crytozoic" by Brian Aldiss.

[abrahm714]

I cant wait to watch this backwards!

[truthemulator]

@Apis4 as a side note, if you want more exposure to exp film, I find Sans Soleil to be an extremely powerful piece and one that is perhaps more readily accessible. Also La Jetee by the same director, Chris Marker, is essential. Meshes of the Afternoon by Maya Deren is a benchmark too. I hope you give exp film another chance, it really is wonderful, and if you dare, maybe even try some Brakhage out.

[truthemulator]

@Apis4 finally, i don't think experimental film usually says that much to begin with as it it is often regarded as the anti-form of regular cinema. The viewers usually end up speaking more about the film than does the film explicitly say itself. Take a cue from Wittgenstein on this one that the very act of listening/watching is in itself, creating. I agree that exp film is perhaps not the pinnacle of cinematic creation, but that does not mean it lacks merit.

[truthemulator]

@Apis4 fair enough, i don't regard this as high as something like brakhage in terms of exp film, however, this is clearly at first glance a slice of life piece turned upside down with the reverse editing trick. From there you could could propound observations on the absurdity it presents, the matter of forms as viewed from the camera, or find symbolism in the piece that relates back to the title, etc.

[Apis4]

@truthemulator My objections are not objections, more trying to understand why one would marvel. Is the Absurdity alone all of it, or is there more to this than I am apprently seeing? I dont get it, whats wonderful about this? Why is this special> What the hell where film makers doing>? I guess in its time, perhaps this was avant garde... I am young.. for me, this, like so many classics, this is rather simplistic and obvious, and seems to not really be saying much. Like most experimental film

[truthemulator]

@Apis4 what exactly are your objections? All I am reading here is a few buzz words without any criticism. And speaking of drama, what exactly is devoid of drama to begin with?

[Apis4]

can anyone explain to me, and I am theatre major and film school grad, the signifigance of abusing the medium like this? Is is it simple to add to film a thing which once only found canvas? yes I know they brought it to the stage, buit not really, as the stage is and always will be drama, the imitation of action, inaction, or illogical action, isnt the ideal of drama, as in we know Shakespeare more than Maetrelink, so whats this? I dont accept it, make me if you can.

[allofblack]

Children only do what's natural. This was great; thank you.

[j43ms]

if jean-paul sartre could see this he'd probably say "why is that daft cunt walking backwards?"