SURREALISMO Y VANGUARDIAS | Historia del Cine

The Evolution of Cinematic Vanguard Movements

Introduction to Cinema and Vanguard Movements

• The early cinema was closely tied to entertainment, focusing on well-told stories with relatable characters. However, alternative movements emerged that sought a more intellectual approach.

• France was a pioneer in cinema, credited to the Lumière brothers and Georges Méliès, but faced decline post-World War I due to political and social crises.

• Despite American films gaining dominance globally, European artists began reviving cinema through innovative vanguard movements.

Definition of Vanguards in Art

• The term "Vanguard" refers to small groups of artists (in this case, filmmakers) who push their discipline's boundaries by rejecting conventional norms.

• Ironically, over time, these vanguards often become part of the conventions they initially opposed.

Impressionism as a Cinematic Vanguard

• One of the first cinematic vanguards was Impressionism, originating from visual arts in Paris around 1874. It emphasized light and color over recognizable forms.

• Louis Delluc emerged as a key figure in cinematic impressionism; he transitioned from critic to filmmaker after recognizing cinema's artistic potential.

Contributions of Louis Delluc

• Delluc founded influential film magazines and clubs while coining the concept of photogeny: "Any aspect not suggested by moving images is not photogenic."

• He directed seven films; only two survive today—Fiévre (1921) and La femme de nulle part (1922)—both urban dramas reflecting psychological states.

Legacy of the Impressionist Movement

• After Delluc's death at 33 in 1924, his influence persisted through filmmakers like Marcel L'Herbier, Abel Gance, Jean Epstein, and Germain Dulac.

• These directors expanded on impressionist concepts by exploring character subjectivity in their works.

Notable Works by Marcel L'Herbier

• L'Herbier showcased his vision through films such as Phantomes, El Dorado, L'Inhumaine, and later sound film L'Argent, emphasizing character psychology using cinematic techniques.

Abel Gance’s Innovations

• Gance started as an actor before directing; his debut was La Digue. He utilized various cinematic resources creatively throughout his career.

• His short film La Folie du Docteur Tube employed distorting lenses for a psychedelic effect still seen today across media formats.

Gance’s Masterpiece: Napoleón

• Gance's epic film Napoleón integrated all known cinematic techniques while introducing new ones like triptych screens for immersive experiences.

• Although he attempted similar styles in other projects like La fin du monde, none matched the success or impact of Napoleón, which has been praised by directors like Stanley Kubrick.

Jean Epstein’s Contribution

The Evolution of Early Cinema: From Impressionism to Surrealism

The Impact of Impressionism in Film

• Director Epstein's debut with Pasteur (1922) marked a shift towards everyday characters, moving away from Hollywood's elite portrayals.

• In Finis terrae, Epstein utilized non-actors to enhance authenticity, revolutionizing cinematic practices.

• His adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's La caída de la casa Usher employed slow motion to create a haunting atmosphere, showcasing expressionist influences through lighting rather than extravagant sets.

• Germaine Dulac emerged as the first female filmmaker in avant-garde movements, with her film La Souriante Madame Beudet (1922), recognized as the first feminist film.

• Impressionism sought to explore human psychology using innovative techniques like dreamlike fades and lens distortions, influencing modern films such as La La Land.

Dadaism: A Reaction Against Convention

• Dadaism originated at Zurich's Cabaret Voltaire during WWI, led by Hugo Ball and artists disillusioned by war and conventional art.

• Tristan Tzara articulated Dada’s ethos in 1918, emphasizing randomness and illogical narratives aimed at unsettling audiences.

• René Clair became a key figure in Dada cinema; his short film Entreacto (1924), originally intended for theater intermissions, featured surreal imagery that exceeded expectations.

• Other notable Dada filmmakers included Fernand Léger and Hans Richter; however, the movement waned by 1926.

Surrealism: Unleashing the Subconscious

• André Breton solidified Surrealism’s principles influenced by Freud’s psychoanalysis, aiming to express pure thoughts beyond reason or morality.

• Germain Dulac transitioned from Impressionism to Surrealism with La coquille et le clergyman (1928), exploring erotic fantasies within a narrative framework.

• The release of Un perro andaluz, directed by Salvador Dalí and Luis Buñuel, marked a pivotal moment for Surrealist cinema.

Surrealism in Film: The Influence of Dalí and Buñuel

Early Collaborations and Impact

• Dalí and Buñuel met at the Residencia de Estudiantes, leading to their collaboration on Un perro andaluz, a short film influenced by their dreams, showcasing its visual potency.

• The film opens with a shocking image where Buñuel uses a razor to cut a woman's eye, establishing the film's tone as a declaration of surrealist principles. It received acclaim from the surrealist community, including André Breton.

• Their next project was La edad de oro, directed solely by Buñuel. This work also belonged to the surrealist movement but marked creative differences that led to their separation.

Continued Exploration of Surrealism

• Despite moving through various genres like melodrama in his later career across multiple countries, Buñuel maintained his interest in surrealism evident in films like El ángel exterminador and El discreto encanto de la burguesía.

• Man Ray transitioned from Dadaism to become an influential figure in surrealism, creating works across various mediums including photography and film. His notable films include Le retour à la raison and other experimental shorts.

Notable Figures Associated with Surrealism

• Jean Cocteau, although not officially part of the surrealist group, is often associated with it due to his unique artistic style. His film La sangre de un poeta exemplifies his ability to create strange worlds.

• Cocteau’s adaptation of La Bella y la Bestia features animated objects within the Beast's home, serving as an aesthetic precursor for Disney's animated productions.

Lasting Influence on Cinema

• The avant-garde movements like Impressionism and Surrealism did not last beyond the 1930s but inspired a new wave of filmmakers who demonstrated that cinema could be more daring both thematically and stylistically.

• Surrealism significantly impacted later filmmakers such as Alejandro Jodorowsky (El topo) and David Lynch (Eraserhead, Twin Peaks), who incorporated dreamlike sequences into their narratives.

Modern Interpretations of Surrealistic Themes