Spectacle 2020

Spectacle (2020)

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Found Footage

 

A series of three short films I edited from pre-existing footage of films made during the 1920s. It is evident that with the newly invented mode of recording, the natural reaction of the people is to capture "spectacles". It is extremely fascinating, even in the beginnings of film, people have been obsessed with the depiction of action; more specifically, danger. I wanted to critique this dark side of humans when consuming media. The action in early silent films, most notably in the slapstick genre, can be hard to stomach for some, but thrilling for others. I wanted to expose this voyeuristic and almost sadistic streak in the countless viewers of early silent films who hungered for these spectacles and question the line between passive consumption, and active participation during the life-threatening acts of a performer.