Amateur Cine World (May 1935)

* Readers’ Films Reviewed day at one’s work or at home . . . these constitute some of the best and most adaptable material to mould into a film. Filming such subjects increases one’s sense of perception and selection. Because it is looked for conscientiously and not merely looked at without being noticed, one comes to find beauty or interest in the commonplace and to realise that it is often the commonplaces and the homely little touches which, paradoxically enough, lift a film out of the rut. Mr. Whitehead has gone to the place where he works for his subject and was not dismayed by the difficulties which immediately presented themselves. The factory is low, with no top lighting and there is no electricity within miles. But Mr. Whitehead wanted to make a film of the factory and did not let these _ position. drawbacks deter him. He used flares. The smoke from the flares is, indeed, apparent in some parts of the film. All the inside shots were taken with flares on Gevaert pan. film, some at f/1.5, but most at i/2. > he camera used was a Pathe de luxe with Meyer Plasmat f/1.5 lens; the whole of the film was produced, photographed, processed and titled by the author. The title backgrounds are rather too light and the exposures given them vary. But we like the main title, in which the word “ Pipes” is actually made up of them. The film shows clearly the processes of their manufacture and the explanatory titles are terse and to the point. We have one criticism to make regarding the editing. The sequence showing the pipes being tested should come before that showing them being despatched. The film lacks polish. That is perhaps inevitable. But it is a very commendable effort. A leader has, of course, been awarded. INTEREST MAGAZINE. By A. R. WEAVER. 9.5mm. Except for one redeeming sequence, this film is rather unimaginative. But unfortunately one sequence does not make a film. First we are shown the Ulster T.T. races. This part is far too long; it could be cut with advantage to less than a quarter of its present length. What makes it the more boring is that the shots are taken from precisely the same angle every time. Admittedly it might have been difficult to get a change of viewpoint, but if that was the case then the sensible Here is a study which is an admirable lesson in composition and the use of view point to obtain that com thing to do was to economise on footage. After twenty cars had flashed by we lost count and interest, and with what relief we greeted a title about the winners! Some close-ups at last, we thought. But no, the title was followed by more cars flashing past, so that we still don’t know who the winners were. The author has let his enthusiasm for motor racing run away with him. If you sport a hobby horse, be careful how you ride it or it may run away with you. Next come some quite pleasing pictures of the Graaf Zeppelin, some farmyard scenes and Whitby Abbey. Now a few odd shots strung together and labelled triumphantly: “ Potpourri.” ‘‘ Cineshots,” ‘‘ Interest Magazine’ or whatever it may be, do not make a film. They must be moulded by careful editing and titling so that they become a satisfactory whole, and they can only become a satisfactory whole if the various sequences, however dissimilar in subject, are related in some way. The easiest means of establishing the relationship lies in the titling. For instance, you could, after the farmyard scenes, have a title such as: ‘“‘ Having made enough silk purses out of these sows’ ears, we are able to afford a trip to Whitby Abbey.’”’ Andrew Buchanan’s film magazines are remarkable for the way in which dissimilar subjects are linked together. Make a point of studying them. Towards the end of the film comes a title: ‘“ Opening of Mersey Tunnel by King George V.’”’ But we don’t see the King and we don’t see the tunnel. The title is therefore wrong, but the retention of the following shots could be justified by witty titling. Although the film is undistinguished in photography, treatment and editing, the author shows that he has: some bright ideas. Particularly is this the case in the (Continued on next page) 73