Maya Deren: Experimental Films
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Maya DerenDVD: Region Code 1
Format: Black & White, Collector's Edition, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 76 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-02-02
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Mystic Fire Video
Movie Reviews of Maya Deren: Experimental Films
Movie Review: A wonderful collection of experimental film
Summary: 5 Stars
Contrary to some previous reviews, Maya Deren, at least in film circles, is one of the most popular experimental directors of the 20th century. And with good reason - her beautiful films are bold and groundbreaking, but also easily accessible and just plain fun to watch. Certain experimental classics such as Michael Snow's structuralist "Wavelength" are more interesting in theory, as they work very well conceptually, but are not as fun to watch. Similarly, Stan Brakhage left behind many beautiful works, but I still find myself more interested in his craft, the way he scratched, painted, or otherwise composed directly on the film stock itself.
By contrast, Deren's films work on many levels. A new viewer inexperienced in avant-garde film will find plenty to enjoy while the seasoned viewer will enjoy the innovative technique Deren employs as well as her metaphor and symbolism.
Besides being a filmmaker, Deren did much to further the art of avant-garde film including writing on aesthetics and helping her contemporaries find exhibition space and support. Her influence on cinematography in particular cannot be over emphasized. Reportedly, after viewing "A Study in Choreography for Camera", Gene Kelly telephoned Deren to ask how exactly she was able to get a dancer to do what was on the film. "At Land" is still has many of the most interesting match-on-action editing sequences of all time.
"Meshes of the Afternoon" is definitely her most popular work, and probably her best. It's a great example of trance film. Any explanation I could attempt to give is a poor substitute for watching it yourself. Although some films can be adequately described with a written statement (here I'm thinking Gehr's Serene Velocity or something similar), Deren's films must be seen to be fully appreciated. Start with Meshes and then maybe "At Land". They all have their charm.
I've avoided referring to Deren as a "woman director" because specifying gender implies to some that "she would be totally unimportant if she wasn't one of the few female directors". Very simply, gender is not an issue here - she's one of the most inventive and most important film directors, man or woman. There are feminist readings possible with Meshes, but most of her work is not preoccupied with typical feminist thought.
As one can imagine, these aren't exactly multiplex-friendly and prior to this DVD, Deren's films were difficult to track down. I was lucky enough to see Meshes in a film class on a big screen, but not everyone has this opportunity. This DVD is a wonderful collection of some of the best experimental film around. If you are already into this stuff, this DVD needs to be on your shelf. If you're just looking for a change from the typical narrative-based film, this is without a doubt the place to start.
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