Rain (Regen). 1929. Directed by Joris Ivens.

(5/2/00)

This is another beautiful film by Ivens. It is a loving portrait of a rain shower in a city. Like The Bridge it is closely observed and full of beautiful abstract patterns--but this film is broader in scope and includes people.

It has a beginning, middle and end. We see the city before the storm, the storm begins, it rains, people scurry for cover, the storm ends. I can't help thinking that the raindrops are like staccato notes in this visual composition. This film is simple as far as its subject matter goes, but rich and very beautiful.

The Bridge (De Brug). 1928. Directed by Joris Ivens.

(5/2/00)

This was a very engaging little film about the workings of a railroad bridge. I have the sense that Joris Ivens really looked at this bridge and really showed it to us. A lot of the shots are of abstract patterns and they are moreover abstract patterns in motion.

This is a film which truly celebrates the beauty of the machine. And although we do see a few human beings, this film is really about the products of those beings.