Watching a movie is a unique experience because we do not see with our own two eyes; however, the audience shares one collective view. The camera serves as our collective eyes, and the sound system and sound effects operate as our collective ears. Because the director and editors can determine what we see and hear, film has the power to revolutionize our senses. In Walter Benjamin’s, “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction,” he cites that the rise of fascism was directly tied to the growth and influence of the film industry in the 1930s. Benjamin describes the transition of art from a ritualistic function to a political one. Marx used film to present an ideal society to the public. He showed the public exactly what they wanted to see, and conveyed these appealing images using the medium of film. Marx was one of the first to exploit the power of film. This power is not necessarily due to a compelling storyline or narrative; on the contrary, it is due to inimitable camera techniques. It is a “criminal error” to make a film in which the essence, and focus is the narrative. Though a fairly compelling storyline is necessary, what sets apart the masterpieces and the classics from all the rest is their camera techniques and effects. Benjamin would argue that in order to fully take advantage of the possibilities of film, the movie, television show, or whatever genre it may be, must make a lasting impression on the spectators.
One successful show without a narrative is Planet Earth. Planet Earth received great reviews from several critics, and has without a doubt changed the way people view nature and different aspects of Earth. This show gives the audience a new appreciation for our planet. In this case, film may provide the medium for new “green” movements. By viewing the beauty of our planet through the close-up shots, bird’s eye view angles, and other unique techniques utilized on the show, people may collectively work towards protecting and saving our planet from pollution, global warming, waste, and a myriad of other potentially devastating situations. Planet Earth has the power to revolutionize the way we think of our planet and potentially save the planet from several dangers. Planet Earth does not have speakers, characters, or a storyline. It simply has a narrator describing exactly what is being shown on the scene. What is being shown and how it is presented to the audience is exactly what makes Planet Earth so powerful in changing how we see the world.
David Fincher’s Fight Club repeatedly often speeds up and slows down the pace of the movie. By controlling the speed of the movie, Fincher controls the audience’s mood. When Norton is in reality, the camera speed is normal and there is almost always continuity editing. Examples of this is shown when he is working and when he attends his support groups. The contrast to this is shown when he interacts with Marla, Tyler Durden, or when he is in Fight Club. During these scenes, the camera jolts around and speeds up what we as the audience see. These different speeds also represent Norton’s emotions. When Norton is working or at his support groups, he is calm and he can sleep, hence the slow, fluid movements. When Norton is at Fight Club, or interacting with Marla or Tyler, he is unable to sleep, and his adrenaline is running. The jolting camera and sharp noises bring the audience into the same emotional state as Norton’s character.
Another extremely common technique in Fight Club is zoom shots, such as close ups. Close-ups were particularly widespread in the same high speed situations where Norton’s emotions are running high. When the phone rings, the caller dictates Norton’s reaction and therefore dictates the camerawork. When Marla or Tyler call, the camera zooms forward on the phone until the phone takes up the entire screen. This zoom embodies a swift shift in time and space. It creates an illusion. Other examples of close-ups include Tyler Durden’s projector and negatives when he is describing his job. The primary purpose for the zooms and illusions when Tyler is the centerpiece of the scene, is that Tyler is the ultimate illusion.
Though every film needs a plot, a narrative, the lasting impression on the viewer is made by the camera techniques. If a film forces the audience to think about how they view something, then it has done its job, and Benjamin would argue that it has revolutionized their senses. David Fincher was very successful in doing this in Fight Club.
