In his article, Photography and Fetish, Christian Metz explains that the differences between photography and film are well known to his readers. However, he seeks to expound of the differences in more detail so as to enhance greater understanding of these differences. Metz argues that one of the major differences between film and photography is the idea that there is a difference in the spacio-temporal size of the lexis. According to Metz lexis refers to the area of reception of the reading unit of which both film and photography is mounted. Metz is of the view that the lexis in photography is smaller compared to that of films. Another difference that Metz establishes regarding the differences between photography and film is the idea that the duration of the lexis is different for both arts.
In specific Metz argues that there is no time duration in the lexis that is used in photographic production. On the other hand film is based on a time sensitive lexis. In addition, Christian Metz argues that both photography and film are arts and both strive to demonstrate cultural elements as well as provide entertainment for the participants. However, he is quick to point out that the mode of delivery with both arts is different. The representation in photography can be represented using fiction, a trait that is more difficult to represent in film production. Despite the differences that exist between both photography and film, it is clear from Metz’s arguments that both films and photography present some themes regarding society. These themes may be centered on life, family, culture among other representations. These themes are evident in the film the Flags of our fathers. In order to evaluate the applicability of Metz’s arguments in real-life scenarios, it is important to apply his theories in the analysis of the film Flags of our Fathers (2008). In this film, it is evident that James Bradley the author of the plot of this film bases his film on his life.
The film is a research about the life that his father John Bradley had lived before his death. In specific, James Bradley is more concerned about his father’s experiences in Iwo Jima, in Japan. James Bradley engages in various trips the area with the aim of what transpired in Iwo Jima during the war. One of the things that one is able to establish from the film is the curiosity that James has in wanting to discover what his father experienced during the war. This is a clear indication, based on Christian Metz article that films can be based on one’s culture, life, and family. It is during James’ trips to Iwo Jima that one is able to establish the family connections that exist between Bradley family members. Each member of the family is actively involved in the research process with the aim of determining the experiences that their father John Bradley had while he was at Iwo Jima.
Another key element that Christian Metz discusses is the idea of sacrifice. Sacrifice is more evident in film as opposed to photography. There is sacrifice that is made in film in terms of the duration of the lexis, as opposed to photography that requires a short duration for the lexis. Film also requires things such as editing to make sure that the material is synchronized. On the other hand, photographers are more concerned about the size of the area of reception and its clarity.
In addition, one is also able to understand the difference between James’ past and present. For example, James explains about how his mother had changed over the years to become an old woman. James’ is more curious about how his mother looked when she met his father John Bradley for the first time. Therefore, the film is not only an art of entertainment, but it also acts a means of informing the audience through the various scenes that are staged within the film. As a way of reinforcing the idea that films are able to bring out themes that can at times not be presented in photography, it is important to look at an idea that Christian Metz presents. Metz argues that “a photographic lexis is a silent rectangle of paper” (Metz 81). The silence that Metz talks about in this statement is the fact that it is difficult to understand the themes that are presented within photography because there is no action that is taking place (Corrigan 29). However, it is easier to deduce some of the key themes that are presented in a certain excerpt within a film. For example, in the film Flags of our fathers, the theme of religion is brought out. James Bradley concentrates on explaining to the readers the religious background of the different flag risers at Iwo Jima.
For example, James explains that his father John Bradley and his compatriot Mike Strank were astute followers of the Catholic Church. On the hand other participants in flag rising such as Harlon Harlock were followers of the Seventh-day Adventist church (Bradley and Powers 44). James Bradley used religion to explain the differences that existed between the various flag risers at Iwo Jima, with whom his father was involved with. Another key theme that emanates from the film Flags of our fathers is the theme of mothers. Mothers in this film are given much focus and attention. For example, James Bradley talks about his grandmother Kathryn Bradley and how she took care of his father. He then talks about his mother and how she has been instrumental in shaping his life. Therefore, the arguments presented by Christian Metz in his article, Photography and Fetish, are applicable in the analysis of the film the Flags of our fathers.
Works Cited
Bradley, James, and Ron Powers. Flags of our fathers: heroes of Iwo Jima. New York: Delacorte Press, 2001. Print.
Corrigan, Timothy. A short guide to writing about film. 3rd ed. New York: Longman, 1998. Print.
Metz, Christian. "Photography and Fetish." MIT Press 34 (1985): 81-90. JSTOR. Web. 23 May 2013. http//: www.jstor.org
