My first exposure to Le Voyage dans la Lune was Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight”, so finally having an opportunity to see the source is great. What was even better was having the chance to watch the restored color version with a soundtrack by the French duo Air. It’s remarkable that this was made 111 years ago, yet it can still hold one’s attention; the sign of quality. One of the main similarities I see with the photographic medium is the framing and layering of shots, it brings me back to the high art photography of the 19th century; images such as Rejlander’s two ways of life immediately come to mind. We are being told a story in both examples, except in one the pictures are moving. I think the main difference is that with film the artist is able to expand on the story using motion, sound and effects.
If you would like to see Air’s interpretation, it can be found at:
wow, thanks for the link, new soundtrack works well with it.