I enjoyed the visual stimulus of this short film. To The Beat, accomplished by direct manipulation of film stock as opposed to using a camera, has an unusually organic feel. The bleaching of the film stock along with the warm red hues evokes images in my mind of molten rock, or some primordial ooze. While the cooler blue/greens and scratching technique reminds me of earth and trees. The film also incorporates some discernible images, which I feel helps ground the viewer and refocuses the eye. The images shift in color, texture and tone creating a visual rhythm that is reflected by the sound track. The work is reminiscent of abstract expressionism, the scratches dance like the paint strokes of Joan Mitchell or splatters of Pollock. The bleaching and coloring, geometric shapes and the “in the moment” look of the film reflect the art movement.
While this film is active, it does not go to far, the stillness of the black juxtaposed with the color and movement helps keep this film from being what I refer to as a headache film (seizure inducing images accompanied by irritating noise). The film's duration is also appropriate, while stimulating; if it were longer I would lose interest and become annoyed. The soundtrack enhances rather than distracts from the lyrical quality of the images that also makes this piece successful in my opinion.
I look forward to experimenting with this direct manipulation of film. As an artist it is intriguing as a tactile rather than technological approach to film image creation. I also welcome the break from countless hours staring at the computer screen.
