"Meditation of Violence" by Zach Mason

Title/Year:

Meditation of violence (1948)

Director/Birth Country/Year Born:

Maya Deren / Russia / 1917

Budget:

n/a

Gross:

n/a

Synopsis:

A oriental man is doing some dance/martial art inside around different toned walls and then outside with a sword around stone walls.

Narrative and Visual Keywords:

Movement, Dance, Grace, Martial Arts, Skill

Camera/lighting/editing technique
 Political/ Social Commentary :

Lighting seemed like practical and natural light. The editing seemed a little choppy, but cut with the action for the most part. If you think about the film long enough one could make guesses about what kind of commentary it was making, but not for sure.

Reaction Questions:

How would you classify the visual aspects of this film in relationship to theme or mood?

The camera is dancing around the man drawing even more attention to movement. This is interesting due to the size of cameras and equipment at that time. The movement, along with the constant looks from the man, give a feeling of seriousness and determination.

Does sound play an important role in the piece? If so, what?

Yes, the sound plays a huge role in this peace. It seems to pick up pace when the man does and slows with him as well.

What is your subjective take on the piece as a whole?

I think the movement is very graceful, both camera and man, but clashes with visual theme of attacks. This might be the point, who knows? I know that I liked it. However, if it was any longer I could possibly get bored.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040578/