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CINEMATOGRAPHY an ART FORM
Lewis W. Physioc
OUR discussion is not so much designed to inspire, in the layman, a respect for the fascinating art of which the cinematographer may boast. It is rather intended as a direct appeal, to those who profess this beautiful art, with the idea of impressing them with the degree of responsibility which devolves upon any one who undertakes the study of any form of art.
We address those who have a deep seated love for beautiful and noble things; who have a real desire for artistic expression, coupled with an ambition that their mastery of this may win the approval of those who are able to judge. This is, indeed, a responsibility.
This responsibility is premised on the fact that the laity, or the public, is the direct patron of the form of art we are discussing, a very generous patron and is, therefore, entitled to the most serious efforts of those who depend upon this patronage. The time has passed for "crank turners" and insincere retainers of a popular novelty, as was once the case of the motion picture industry. This business of making motion pictures has developed into a great art. With it has come an acute critical s^nse which embodies a demand for greater excellence of performance.
If we trace the history of the arts, from the early Egyptians to our present motion picture, we are impressed with the thought that there is no form of art that can compare with the motion picture in its possibilities for influencing the popular taste and culture. This is due to its wide distribution. Where there is one person who might attend the art gallery, the concert, a lecture or the opera, there will be a thousand attending the movie show. Consequently, the same critical development will result, in regard to the motion picture, as would be the case with those who frequented the aforesaid attractions. What is far more promising, our public schools and universities are devoting more time, than ever before, to the development of the aesthetic mind — art appreciation, a taste for beautiful things. Therefore, the responsibility of the cameraman, or any one engaged in the making of motion pictures, is readily perceived.
Now the very word "Art" implies an order of talents and elements that are not generally associated with indifferent efforts or lazy intellects. Bouvier, the great instructor, has said. "Imagine not that the profession of an artist is that of an idler; on the contrary, it is of all occupations the one, perhaps, that requires the most activity; for one is constantly engaged, if not with the art itself, at least with its materials."
All true artists will tell you, that if the study of art were not, in itself, replete with charms, it would be a very painful pursuit. The art of photography, alone, requires so many precautions, so many things to be foreseen and calculated, such tedious minute adjustment that those exacting labors are only relieved by the delights of the final
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