The Absolute Film - W. Moritz

Having taken 6x1, I have learned about and actually had the opportunity to make an "absolute film" such as the ones by Eggeling and Richter discussed here. While most might find the anecdotes about the short length of the filmmakers' first scroll drawings interesting or funny, it was all too relatable for me. When we watch animations derived from painting on celluloid, it seems easy enough...until you actually try it yourself. Since every film in 6x1 must be a minute long, and since celluloid film stock runs at about 24 frames per second, the time really adds up. I don't even remember how long it took me to complete my 15 second animation of a seed becoming a fetus, but let's just say I empathize with Eggeling and Richter. If only I had had Re Soupault to help me with my animation!

But I digress; my point is that we may often view absolute films such as these as boring or unimpressive (at least I'm guilty of it), when in fact there is so much work and genuine care that went (and still goes) into making them. If anyone still has their doubts, perhaps we should make them create a minute long animation on film stock and see what they think then.