TV Review: The Story of Film An Odyssey
Turning over! Sound speed! And…….. Action! Last night saw the first in a series of programmes about the history of cinema to air on More 4.
Turning over! Sound speed! And.. Action! Last night saw the first in a series of programmes about the history of cinema to air on More 4. The Story Of Film An Odyssey, narrated by award-winning filmmaker Mark Cousins, opens our eyes to the true birth of cinema in Thomas Edisons house in New Jersey, USA, the Lumiere Brothers house in Lyon, France and small nickelodeons across the world. The documentary charters the story of cinema from its birth with the first cameras and its beginnings as a novelty for the poorer classes, through each of its major transitions and onto something closer to what we know as cinema now. Cousins credits each of the major leaps forward such as the first close up, early editing techniques and use of light to add mood whilst showing us clips of the films that broke the mold. As he does he gives praise to the early pioneering filmmakers who made those leaps forward and advanced the art form with their curiosity for the possibility of cinema. The Story of Film was a very interesting watch for anyone with a curiosity of film, cinema and the processes that goes into making everything from art house movies to Hollywood blockbusters. Many of the leaps, changes and revelations I recognised from studying early cinema as a part of my BA degree in Film, but Cousins managed to condense this history into an hour of screen time. Where was this programme six years ago when I was sat in 3 hour long excruciatingly boring lectures at University for an entire year learning all this? This programme has come too late for me, but for any film students at present I recommend watching this on 4OD and skipping lectures to spend your time actually making films and playing with a camera, as the early pioneers did. The Story of Film was indeed interesting, but the sound of Cousins voice for the entirety of the show did get laborious. He continually talks in a fashion that suggests he is making a point, but never quite gets there. His voice changing in pitch and slowing. Every now. And then. As much as I loved the programme and admire Cousins passion for cinema he isnt the best narrator. But, still a definite watch for anyone who shares Cousins, and my own, passion for the art of cinema. Cut! Thats a wrap!