Experimental Film Exam Response (q.13)

13. Compare the challenges presented to the spectator by different experimental and expaned film/video works.

Some of the challenges presented to the spectator by different experimental films are those which include unconventional film techniques that make the piece difficult to watch and/or process. A film such as Un Chien Andalou by Luis Bunuel (and Salvador Dali) certainly use unconventional narrative and challenges 'mainstream' cinema. This is done regarding narrative and the themes throughout the film, some of which being considered taboo and risky for the time of production and release (1929). One scene which comes to mind regarding it's challenging nature is the close up shot of a knife slicing through a female's eye at the beginning of the film. I thought this part was particularly shocking as the human eye is a valued part of the body and is responsible for many things. The thought of it being cut open creates a sense of unease and queasiness. Another scene in the film which could be considered challenging to a spectator is the close up shot of a male's hand which has ants coming out of the centre of it. This personally made me feel very uncertain about what I was watching as I felt it was one of the most random parts of the film. This was Bunuel's technique of working as any idea that may have any sort of meaning was rejected. Another scene which generates similar feelings or unsureness is the shot that depicts a man riding a bicycle dressed as a nun. At first I thought this was very perculiar and then quite amusing as this is something you may not see everyday. This is an attack and critisism on religion as Bunuel was an Athiest and strongly against organised religion such as catholicism.