Turbulence and Flow in Film
The Rhythmic Design

Yvette Bíro (Author)

9780253219657

Paperback / softback, published 12 March 2008

288 pages, 21 b&w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 1.6 cm, 0.39 kg

"In [Biro's] new work, turbulence and flow advance a theme that has been central to the seventh art since its origins, but which concerns us now more than ever: that of time. Yvette Biro, in a series of brilliant chapters, which are at the same time complex and free of jargon, broaches all the facets of this problem—aesthetic as well as philosophical."—Michel Ciment, Director of Positif, President of FIPRESCI

Little attention has been paid to the temporal aspect of filmmaking. Turbulence and Flow in Film describes how pace and rhythm create meaning and how film gains its fullness through the flow of images and the speed or slowness of the dramatic action. It demonstrates that the quick or restrained breathing of the sequences is not a secondary element but rather provides the spirit and ambiance of the work.
Yvette Bíro thoroughly analyzes this overlooked subject, examining various methods of temporal articulation. Relying on the richness of both classical and contemporary cinema, the author revisits the great masters such as Bresson, Ozu, Tarkovsky, Bergman, and Antonioni, as well as the directors of the Nouvelle Vague. In addition to discovering the new contributions of Asian cinema, she also discusses newcomers, including Jarmusch, Kaurismaki, and Kiarostami.

Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Volatile Time
2. Setting the Pace
3. Intricate (Extended) Story Structures
4. Detours
5. Seeing in Time: Quasi una pausa
6. Repetitions or Reprise
7. Odysseys
8. Everyday Rituals
9. Endgames
10. Strategies of Time
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Filmography
Index