2.3 The infuence of filmmaker Man Ray in the history of the

Disobedient Directors

Influence of Man Ray

• Man Ray's cinematic poetry explores unconventional narratives, focusing on the essence of objects and the human experience.

• His film "Emak Bakia" (1926) exemplifies Dadaist experimentation by using editing to delve deep into visual meanings and forms.

• Emphasizes breaking free from traditional film genres to engage in visual experimentation.

• Contrasts with Soviet Formalism, where Eisenstein refined cinematic language for clear political messages.

Soviet Formalism vs. Dadaism

• Soviet filmmaking aimed for universal understanding across diverse populations post-1917 Revolution, prioritizing clear narratives.

• Eisenstein introduced 'intellectual montage,' shaping contemporary cinema by constructing meaning through juxtaposed images.

• The juxtaposition highlights differences between structured Soviet narratives and the abstract exploration found in Dadaist films.

Contemporary Cinematic Evolution

• By 2019, some music videos reflect the disobedience of filmmakers like Man Ray, showcasing an evolution in narrative forms and aesthetic expressions.

• Emphasizes the idea of experimentation, moving away from conventional norms toward authentic artistic expression.

Scriptwriting and Narrative Structures

Importance of Script and Storytelling

• A clear script sets the groundwork for filmmaking, detailing dialogues, music cues, and sound effects.

• The narrative structure of scripts varies, with manuals like "The Writer's Journey" and "Screenplay" guiding writers in transforming stories to the screen.

• Script revisions are often needed to align creative ideas with film production realities.

Traditional Story Structure

• The Three-Act Restorative Structure is based on Aristotelian notions of storytelling: clear beginning, middle, and end.

• This model prevails in commercial cinema, ensuring audiences leave satisfied and resolved.

Case Study: "Perfect Strangers"

• Paolo Genovese's film explores privacy and relationships through the lens of a social game involving mobile phone revelations, culminating in a deceptive ending reflective of the Three-Act structure.

Case Study: "Doctor Strangelove"

• Stanley Kubrick's film disrupts traditional narrative structures, ending with a bleak reflection on war rather than a happy resolution, making it a lasting commentary on Cold War anxieties.

Alternative Narrative Structures

Disobedience by Iconic Directors

• Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" uses multiple perspectives to depict a complex character, defying conventional storytelling.

• Akira Kurosawa's "Rashomon" presents subjective truths through different characters, emphasizing the ambiguity of reality.

• Stanley Kubrick's "The Killing" employs non-linear storytelling through varied points of view, challenging viewer expectations.

• Quentin Tarantino’s "Reservoir Dogs" deviates from traditional robbery narratives by focusing on the aftermath rather than the heist itself.

Conclusion

• Filmmakers like Welles, Kurosawa, Kubrick, and Tarantino reshape narrative conventions, embracing non-linear storytelling and subjective perspectives to deepen audience engagement and provoke thought.