Ballet Mécanique is a great example of experimental film in abstract form. It is one of the earliest experimental films to have ever been made and, as explained in Bordwell and Thompsons Film Art, it's a classic example of how mundane objects can be transformed when their abstract qualities are used as the basis for a films form.
At first glance, the film may seem random, nothing more than a bombardment of random objects and a woman edited in different ways, but delving further into it’s construction and themes, Ballet Mécanique actually has many complex motifs and hidden meanings. From the title, we can only think that the film would be based on ballet as a form of dance and I was very surprised, albeit confused by the way Ballet Méchanique was presented. It puts emphasis on seemingly random objects such as horse collars, hats, faces and more in strange edits and almost kaleidoscope-like imagery. Immediately, we’re confused, but also intrigued.
It’s only after viewing it a few more times that I realise the mechanical vibe of the footage and movement. The rhythm and stylisation of the film is indeed very experimental, but it also has meaning and theme. The woman is portrayed as the machinery, whereas the other moving images seem to dance along the screen, ironic to how ballet and ballerinas are supposed to be graceful and elegant, the womans facial expressions and movements are almost robotic. Ballet Méchanque, again quoting Bordwell and Thompson, ‘uses of film techniques to stress the geometric qualities of ordinary things’ and I personally find it fascinating and enjoyable.
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