Lumiere Film Response

I recently watched the Lumiere Brothers' early films. As two of the first moviemakers, they experimented with original cameras that captured the essence of life in Lyons. I already have a familiarity with the directors, as I am interested in film studies and currently pursuing a secondary degree in Literature- Cinema Studies. Knowing two of the first filmmakers ever remains quintessential knowledge for all who are as fascinated with the movies as I am.

I had seen the majority of the short films produced by the Lumiere Brothers, but one I had not seen was the use of rewinding along a demolished building. Originally intended as a documentary, the Lumiere's experienced a bizarre encounter: part of the wall being tore down suddenly collapsed into rubble. However, the Lumiere's discovered that by rewinding their footage, they could create an interesting cinematographic effect. The construction workers now appeared to be building the wall instead of tearing it down; this remains an effect that can only be done by the power of the movies.

In addition, the Lumiere Brothers documentary also brings an interesting spin to character development.  They use good contrast of black and white, and do so with elaborate costuming and dark buildings and props. Historians know that the Lumiere Brothers set up an excellent stage, because none of the people look at the camera. If they would have filmed during the day on the street, many people are bound to look at the camera; instead, the Lumiere's heightened reality by hiring a group of people to not look at the camera, creating cinema verite in the purest sense. They also experimented with genres, creating the first horror and comedy films that still prove relevant today.

I enjoy film history, and think it has a fascinating story. Considering it is one of the most powerful technologies in the world today, cinema remains an integral part of human history. Without the Lumiere Brothers, filmmaking might not have ever happened; for that, we thank these two individuals with a dream and a passion for the arts.