1. MECS 102: Introduction to Media Studies
Early Film: Lecture 4

2. Siegfried Kracauer: The Two Tendencies of Early Film
The Realistic Tendency
The way the technology of the camera objectively reveals the physical world
How do films surpass photography in this regard?
capture moving images - reality was defined by objective movement outside of the camera at first
later developments - led to camera mobility and editing to create a sense of reality
time and space are manipulated to maintain a sense of reality
staging used as an intermediary function between camera mobility and the objective capturing of movement
Main proponents: Louis and Auguste Lumiere
Highlighted the potential of film to develop photography into a means of storytelling
Films recorded a moment in time, a memory, history
“nature caught in the act”
Believed that film was a “scientific curiosity” and offered no opportunity for real art

3. Siegfried Kracauer: The Two Tendencies of Early Film
The Formative Tendency
The use of film as an artform to express a filmmaker’s imaginative ideas
Differs from photography:
no restriction in the area being filmed –not just a case of physical reality in front of the camera.
attempts were made to film history and fantasy as well
Two types of composition: the story film and the nonstory film.
Characteristics of the formative tendency:
Disengaged creativity
Several dimensions of composition
Emphasis is barely on physical existence
Main proponent: Georges Melies
realistically staged topical events
found more purpose for staged illusion
catered to a different audience tastes
extended the possibilities of the medium