Review of Man with a Movie Camera (1929) by Keaton P — 19 Nov 2009

I propose the sir name of Kaufman from now on be associated with the prefix meta. There are two ways I can go about viewing this film, one being an innovative piece of film, for film's sake. The other being a self indulgent piece of technical play games.

I am going to go with the former for the sake of sticking to social convention. The film in itself is essential about film. A man goes around his town and films anything he sees of interest. The whole, from an editing stand point takes the innovations of German expressionist movement and runs the 100 mile dash with them.

Like most silent films this one I believe to be running at 36 frames per second, and with the amount of jump, cut, slide, swipe, twirl, splice, and hand held, you notice the speed like a hanging soldier.

Essentially the film is nothing more than a series of picture movies, and for this I am at no liberty to condemn or condone, I can merely appreciate. On a final note I must inform you that I watched this with the accompaniment of The Duke.

So if I was to view it with the Russian synth crap them had as the score, I am sure I would be saying something of complete difference. As always, take this as you may.