Film vs. Painting

“Magician and surgeon compare to painter and cameraman” (Walter 10). This is an idea brought forth by Benjamin Walter; he uses this specific analogy to convey his opinion on the differences between traditional art and films. Going deeper in this analogy he comments that the magician keeps a natural distance between himself and the patient, which in turn creates a natural distance from reality. While on the other hand, the surgeon cuts into the patient’s body and breaks through into reality; changing it as he pleases. He does this by using “extraneous accessories,” such as camera equipment and lighting machinery. Thus, creating a sense of illusionary nature. (Walter 10).

Film in Benjamin’s opinion is not an effective medium. This is strictly because you are seeing it through the cameraman’s perspective and not your own. In Everything’s an Argument by Lunsford and Ruszkiewicz; they remark that a photograph is not a faithful representation of reality and that it’s reality is shaped by the photographers point of view. Therefore, creating an illusion is simple and the “cameraman” has that skill. As I viewed “The Scream” movie clip I saw that it was altered to fit the perspective of the “cameraman.” They edited that single painting almost a dozen times. It does not do a good job of conveying the actual painting the way it should. This is exactly what Benjamin was referring to when he talks about the illusions films can give. Benjamin most clearly notes that “the characteristics of the film lie not only in the manner in which man presents himself to mechanical equipment but also in the manner in which, by means of this apparatus, man can represent his environment” (Walter 11): In many films the only perspective you will see is the one they want you to see. But, when it comes to paintings and traditional art there is no way for the masses to control and organize themselves in their receptions; meaning that in no way can anyone control what you perceive when looking at a work of art with your own eyes. When you view that actual painting of “The Scream” you will see something that maybe only you can see. There are no effects or lies when you see it for yourself

The differences between films and traditional art are quite evident just simply because of the two different mediums. Benjamin argues that traditional art is conventional and uncritically enjoyed as it should be while the new is criticized with aversion. Art should never be criticized in any way; it is simply there for one or few to view. Yet, mass audiences are crowding around the big screen. “The camera introduces us to unconscious optics as does psychoanalysis to unconscious impulses.” Film makers do this all by editing, anything can be made possible with the technology today. Painting and other traditional forms of art are in a crisis with the rising masses focusing on the new mediums. Benjamin believes that a painting is a total one and not one made up of fragments. Art should be viewed all together with your own two eyes to truly experience it.

film vs. painting