Response to 1B

The objective of assignment 1B was to take the classes collective sound bank and create a two minute soundscape. The soundscapes design was to be inspired and crafted after a sentence selected at random from a book.

After the groups were assigned, we gathered and awaited our fate. My group was made up of Porshia, Ashley, Nick, and myself. We were the first to flip through the book and the fateful finger struck gold. Our sentence was “a cinematographer famous for terrible films with great cinematography.” We were excited from the start. Once we got together and began working on creating our soundscape we were optimistic about the project. It only took two sessions to finish our project.

The experience itself was very interesting. The first task that was evident was scanning the entire sound library to try and find items that would fit into our scenario or otherwise be altered and used. The sounds were definitely going to need some work to meet our needs. The experience of listening to a singular sound so precisely was amazingly eye opening. One notable sound we created was the starting of a projector. Knowing by heart the whirls and hisses of the machine made it easy to know the sound we wanted to create. More or less, we found the sound by altering and compiling a car, air conditioner, bicycle, and fan. This interesting process  went on to create a flow of sound that lasted for two minutes. Along the way there were some happy accidents, as some sounds came off sounding more like other sounds we had no intention of creating but could still use.

I really enjoyed this assignment and found inspiration to further develop abstract soundscapes in the future. My group worked together very well, although Nick was partially absent. In the end, we were happy with our project and the soundscape was well reviewed. The other soundscapes created in the class were also great. The next step in this process will be interesting as abstract images collide with these soundscapes.

Absolute Film

Absolute film stems from the idea that there is a sect of film art that, when united with a musical piece, can create a captivating experience with no equal. Absolute film is created when the a visual piece and a musical piece flow together rhythmically, lyrically, and at the same pace. The original, and still preferred method, for creating absolute film was to create a visual component and then build a soundscape to match it. Some artists, like Walther Ruttmann, had live music performed alongside their pieces to create a more extravagant viewing experience. However, since absolute films were traditionally hand-made pieces, a large number of films never saw completion. The advent of sound on film created a new obstacle for absolute filmmakers. Meeting the creative requirements needed to create film that could have music simultaneously recorded alongside it, absolute filmmakers continued to perfect their craft. Interest in absolute film grew over the years as more and more artists began to experiment with the medium. Absolute film is still a growing and captivating area of filmmaking.

In Response: Natalie on Mekas

Through  a very detailed and well put-together presentation by Natalie, the class was introduced to Jonas Mekas. Mekas was a filmmaker whose works found form after he moved to New York City and purchased a Bolex 16mm film camera. Mekas developed a great interest in capturing documentary styled pieces using defiant amateurism. Showing great potential, Mekas burst out of the gate by first making a feature film. His works would continue to grow in complexity while maintaining his amateur style and "snapshot" philosophy of filmmaking. Mekas’ style became very influential, even inspiring artists like Andy Warhol to make films. Mekas makes films to this day, showing that the art of filmmaking is a lifelong practice.

On Bela Belazs

Bela Balazs

Bela Balazs’ piece on sound gives a great breakdown of the different aspects of sound in cinema and their sole importance. Because the cinematic experience is meant to be so immersive for the viewer, the work that goes into creating a realistic soundscape is often overlooked. Balazs points out that things as small as silence can play a key role in expression and realism in films. Silence gives birth to the importance of sound in the same way a fade from black or white gives images their vibrant qualities. The key difference between images and sounds come with the need for sound to be layered. An isolated sound will be alarming and unrealistic, so a soundscape must be created through precisely placing even the most minute detail.

Sound Observation #2

Independence Mall

For my second sound observation I wanted to use my ears in an environment that strongly opposed my first location. I decided to visit the Independence Mall on a Friday night. The mall, which is never particularly packed, is decently swarmed by shoppers. As I sit in the epicenter of the mall, sounds rush at me from every direction. Although the sounds come from nearly every direction, they are all very similar. It's a giant blend of almost unintelligible sounds. Listening closely, many different conversations can be heard, as soon as one is singled out, it is overpowered by another that is either nearer or louder. The overpowering rush of the verbal choir is accompanied by the electronic sounds of cash registers beeping and and the constant soft patter of soft soled shoes on a hard floor. Deuling atmospheric music from varying stores quietly fills the small gaps in the sounds of shoppers strolling through the mall. The space is rich with sounds, none of which are singularly pleasing.

Sound Observation #1

Ocean in the Dark - Sounds at Sea

For my first sound observation I decided to visit the beach at night, as I find it to be an extremely calming experience. Its after midnight and only a few people are stretched along the never ending shore. With my body resting completely on the sand and my eyes comfortably closed, I am engulfed by the powerful sloshing of the waves. As they approach the shore, they clap against each other in a repetitive rumble. The wind tears its way down the beach in a powerful gush that compliments and drives the thunder of the ocean. Not too far off the quiet murmuring of voices is heard for an instant, but is soon overpowered by the gliding hum of an aircraft in the sky. When the aircraft moves away and it's loud sound dies down, the voices re-emerge closer and more audible. Their sound builds with intensity as they pan along my audible plane and disappear under the waves and wind again.

On "Amateur vs. Professional"

The matriarch of amateur filmmaking - Maya Deren - was a truly innovative filmmaker. Her films shine bright and amaze viewers as they wonder how she made such complex films with her limited tool set. Deren herself brags that the best equipment for making films cannot be purchased, it must be created and nurtured by you. Deren placed a great emphasis on the importance of skill, problem solving, and freedom. Without being confined by expensive equipment and overbearing investors, Deren created her art in agreeance with her body and mind. Deren dares not shy away from being called an amateur filmmaker because of her methods, instead she gloats in her ability to do what she wants for the love of the thing, not the loads of money.