Synthesis Paper Six

Chick Strand is a film artist that is not concerned with making traditional Ethnographic films void of art and feeling. Strand is interested in creating pieces that impact the viewer by allowing that viewer some sort of passage into the experience of her film. Why such a strong stand against Ethnographic films of the past? This resistance is a result of Chick Strands educational background as an anthropologist. This field of study gives perspective to a better understanding of her work.

After viewing three of Strands films, Loose Ends, Elasticity, and Soft Fiction, it is clear to see Chick Strand has an eye for creating moments, evoking emotion, whispering to the subconscious, awakening awareness, and driving a theme or thought home. This is a talent to be revered, applauded, and studied.

Each of these three films are extremely rich in visual content and include obvious as well as sub textual messages. In Loose Ends, some of the themes that emerged included but were not exclusive to, animal mistreatment, consumption, and wastefulness, greed, and starvation. Elasticity seemed to create connections from a more ethereal perspective and was structured around three words – Amnesia, Euphoria, and Ecstasy. This film takes the viewer on a visionary road trip with the careful artistic precision of an optical printer. Finally, Soft Fiction forces the viewer to take a very close look at women and some of their stories. This film deals eloquently with heavy topics like child molestation and drug abuse. She utilizes the close up in this film in a very personal and amazing way.

Chick Strands approach to film is fascinating on many levels, from her stylistic approach to the manner in which she tells a story that is unique and original. Nothing more can be asked from a film artist.