Jörmungandr circles the earth.
Ananta holds it together.
Ra was born from the many coiled serpent called the Amduat.
Living somewhere in-between the clouds and a history book.
Fernand Léger, alongside Dudley Murphy, George Antheil and Man Ray composed a mechanical ballet of its time. Made in 1924, Le Ballet Mécanique is a surrealist film that shows a struggle of interests on behalf of the director and producers. World War 1 had only ended 6 years prior to the making of this film. Léger – the director, had fought on the front lines for the French Army. You can tell the profound effects the war had on him, the use of with the chaotic use of machinery and technology in the film. Le Ballet Mécanique was also made with cubist influences in mind, hence the opening and closing showing a cubist figure tipping its hat. The sound of the film (provided by George Antheil) includes piano and at times sirens playing in the background. Giving urgency and setting the tone for the piece. The visuals set the pace however, chopping and changing rapidly to emphasis the confusion. There is no obvious storyline in Le Ballet Mécanique, just running themes of gender, materialism and warfare. Themes that the Expressionist and Surrealist movements had introduced in the early 1900’s. Overall I enjoy the concept of the film, the ideas and themes behind it. However, the film itself can be hard to watch at times due to its repetitive nature and soundtrack. The theme of a modern-day take on ballet is one I would like to experiment with in my filming.
18.27 