Down the Hudson (1903)
Featured Nonfiction
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2m 53s
A fast-paced trip down the river, showing off scenery & riverside industry in a blink.
While Down the Hudson (1903), a seemingly simple travelogue, captures a trip down the Hudson River, the way it does so challenges traditional filmmaking techniques.
The film utilizes a sped-up effect, achieved by undercranking the camera. This technique transforms the serene journey into a frenetic rush, warping our perception of time and space. This manipulation goes beyond mere novelty; it compels viewers to actively engage with the film, questioning how moving images represent reality.
Furthermore, Down the Hudson plays with narrative structure. It eschews a clear story in favor of a fragmented view of the riverbank. This fragmented approach foreshadows the non-linear styles that would emerge in later avant-garde cinema.
By defying the conventions of its time, Down the Hudson paves the way for a more artistic and expressive use of film. It stands as a testament to the innovative spirit that continues to drive experimental filmmaking.
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