History In Art Essay Example

Film, just like any form of art is a canvas for film director. As an example of abstraction I would like to talk about “Dogville” directed by Lars von Trier. In this movie the director does not use pompous and glaring scenery. The emphasis is on the story told in the film, on creating an atmosphere of realism showing everything abstractly. Lars von Trier outlines the houses where the characters live, the whole city, as it would be in the theatre but there are no strict limits or complete decorations. It gives a spectator more realistic and intense impact of the story’s realism.
The other type of abstraction was used in this film is the contradictory feelings towards the characters and how the director causes these contradictory emotions. As an example he had chosen an abstract model of society with its worst and best traits and how those traits are being embodied in different situations. The models of behaviour and attitude towards a certain happening are dictated by person’s deepest susceptibilities. While the plot is set in early 20th century, the film does not anyhow feel old or outdated. This serves as an emphasis that the society does not change over the years; people still encounter same problems and difficulties. There are no black and white occasions in the life; there is only the attitude of a person towards it. That is the major idea why Lars von Trier is using abstraction in this film.
Some critics called “Dogville” a parody on modern society. The fact that the director completely neglected decorations and professional sets is often perceived as a joke. On the other hand, without fancy decorations and unnecessary details the film manages to accentuate how real the society’s imperfections are.
The second film that I would like to discuss is one of the most remarkable examples of abstract and surrealistic narrative. David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive”, released in 2001 remains one of the most mysterious pictures of modern era. In order to tell a story, director spilt the movie into small fragments that add up to the whole picture but are still fascinating themselves.
The plot evolves around two main characters, one of which is haunted by guilt and regret and the other one is a victim of wrong decisions. Characters are building an alternate reality that consists of dreams and investigations where both characters are trying to figure out who they really are.
In order to achieve this dream-like scenario, the director chooses to concentrate more on intuitive comprehension of ideas. The plot is non-linear and resembles a moebius strip. Moreover, Lynch does not offer any explanation to what he shows on the screen; the picture leaves the audience in helpless attempts to understand something that is completely beyond their understanding.
While director does not leave any clues, the audience can easily understand some abstract images. The film is set in a big city and involves struggle of American filmmakers and actors. Many critics claim that this approach is a clear reference to a 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard” where similar ideas are brought into discussion.
Lynch chose surrealistic sets for the movie as well. The viewer is left with an impression that everything he or she sees is absurd, yet, completely real. Even though characters may also seem unrealistic, their pains and struggle feel real. Other types of imagery are also understood in different ways; while some critics believe that the mystery behind characters’ identity is a clear reference to Buddhism, some are sure that this is nothing more but an artistic technique.
In my opinion, “Mulholland Drive” is one of the most misunderstood David Lynch’s films. However, the fact that there are so many theories around this picture emphasises the artistic value of the film.