Translucent Reflections (16mm experimental film)

See this film virtually projected in 15 rooms at http://transtao.net

This is the digital version of a film that was shot on three rolls of film (300ft). It consists of 23 "Translucent" shots and 23 'Reflective" shots. These numbers represent the 23 chromosomes donated by each parent during conception. Also, I filmed a waterfall, sunsight (rise) and clouds. The water is both an element of nature and also creates a look of the film being developed in chemicals. The sun is the source of light, which allows the images to be captured on film. The clouds represent the middle ground between these two. There is also a shot of the moon which brings hope of the light during times of darkness.

I used what is known as chance operations in order to edit the film. I first decided that the three lengths of the shots would be 3frames 3sec 3ft (3fps 72fps 120fps..frames per sec) Then, I decided to layer the shots in three layers of superimposition. Next, in order to determine the placement of each shot within the layers, I threw the dice, stopped my stop watch, and flipped two pennies (60ish times each). Finally, I wrote these outcomes on 173 pieces of 16mm film and drew them at random placing the 1st number on layer 1, the next on layer 2, 3rd one on layer 3 and then the 4th back on layer 1, until all 300 feet of film was used.

The film then, is a result of a relationship between the camera and me. This sounds strange, but the finished film is like a baby. The three layers represent the camera, the film and me. The total of all three is one, just as the family is one.

In many ways this film is also about making film but it can't help but also be about the experience of life itself. It's meant to be a window into the soul of the viewer. See through the film and reflect on who you are and what you are doing in this world. I hope it can be film therapy for you as it has been for me.

SoundTrack...I recorded all the sound. I used 1hour and 10min of sound. I simply cut into 3 or so minute chunks and layered it until I used it all (30 or so stereo tracks). I added a few filters to the sound in order to create a sort of 'translucent reflective" audio. The original sounds are of birds, clanking on various objects such as glass, plastic, metal, wood, and some other various sounds around my house. Also, I'm making some random noises at times. There is some guitar in there but I think it got too disguised to distinguish.

I've edited the physical film and plan to have it printed as a film to be projected with the sound. It's been an awesome project for me as a filmmaker. I've learned so much by letting go of my ego's intentions on how things should be edited together. I feel it's similar to how a parent has to let go of controlling their children and let them grow into what they were intended to be. We can marvel at our children if we can just step back and allow them to be. This goes for the children within each of us too.

Also, it's a picture of the inner universe. Thank you.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Translucent
• Reflections
• 16mm
• film
• experimental
• chrisTopher
• McCastle
• 23
• chromosomes

[DreamingTurtle]

Almost three years from the conception of this film I will finally have a 16mm print of it. It has been in the lab. There was a mistake on the first print and it had to be redone. Due to the huge amount of time and resources the film took to print it had to be put on hold until they lab could get to it.  I'm very excited to get it back in a couple of weeks.

[fox408]

love the film and the whole process involved in making it!

[DreamingTurtle]

Thanks for taking the time to experience this film. So happy to know it was well received.

I'm living with this film. I had it printed and I'm working on getting a high quality print made and transfered to digital.

[scribe381]

i respectfully disagree. This film can stand alone. It's a mature work. And it's something I will be watching over and over again. Thank you for making this inspirational piece of film. She's beautiful man! : )

[DreamingTurtle]

Thanks, scribe381. This is valuable feedback.  I also realize that not everyone sees the world the way you do and I'm glad you do see it that way. I never know what the outcome from such a film is going to be. I, myself, am still evaluating the meaning of the film to this day. For me, the real "movie magic" is when a film seems to mean different things to different people.

-DT

[rembasa1]

nice work :)

[wahzooo]

magnificent film

[TEARDUCTER]

*****

[ectopicshapeshifting]

that was truly great.

five stars !

(:

[scribe381]

very true. that thing we get from a film. that "it" can only be the unexplained -- the unsolved mystery. this is the advantage the camera, at its best, has over the other arts. its a mirror.