Passsage-Barbel Neubauer

Barbel Neubauer

     I enjoyed the film Passage by Barbel Neubauer. The pitch-black background with the different colored geometric shapes flying across the screen synchronized with sound and music put me in a trance or dreamlike state.  At the beginning of the film it reminded me of popcorn popping because of the popping sound and the presence of a few blips of color flying into and across the black screen.  I go the feeling that something was starting to happen.  

Neubauer's Pegasus

     The shapes and colors along with the music and sound began to increase and change as the film went progressed. I found myself trying to derive a meaning from what was happening on screen, but when I did so I think it took away from the intended experience of the film.  The film has a very abstract feel to it. I believe the intent of the film is the same as some of Stan Brakhage’s similar films, to put the viewer in a trance like state (to blur the senses).

     I took this class because last semester I took History of Avant- Garde and really enjoyed it. I used to be a little skeptical about experimental film, but after learning how I’m supposed to watch and engage with them along with the history of Avant- Garde films I’ve realized that I’ve become increasingly interested in this type of filmmaking. I’m a big fan of Stan Brakhage, especially Black Ice, The Tower and his similar films. The beautiful colors of Black Ice along with contrasts scratched and hand painted on the black celluloid really caught my eye. I find it very relaxing making me feel like I’m in a meditative state of mind and being. These films of his in particular remind me of Passage by Neubauer along with many of her other films. Her use of color in the form of geometric shapes give her works a definite Brakhageesque feel except for her use of sound. Braskhage didn’t believe in using sound. He believed that the film or images themselves should have a musical quality, more of a visual music instead of using aural music.

     Shannon also recommended that I take this class, she knew that I was interested in cameras like the Bolex 8mm and 16 mm along with the Pentax k1000. She told me that it would be fun because we would be using the Bolex and hand processing the film, and then manipulating the film by scratching, painting and so forth. When she explained this I felt like I had to take the class because it would be the perfect fit for my interests.