The significance of Ma (Negative Space) on Eastern Film making and Animation.
Themes:
Ma, translates to: gap, pause, distance, space, emptiness.
Indicates a sense of time, less is more.
Cultural importance, and effect on narrative in film:
Foundation of Ma: Derived from Edo Period Japan, Ukiyo-E Woodblock printing, Kabuki Theatre, Ikebana (Flower assembly), how this links to narrative/staging/sense of time
Decided to focus on broader exploration (Eastern Film and Animation) rather than single director as case study includes interests in:
Satoshi Kon’s use of Ma (Japanese Animator).
Joon Ho Bong (Korean Director) use of Ma in ‘Memories Of Murder’.
Hayao Miyazaki’s interpretation of Ma in film: ’ Time between Clapping is Ma, if it was non stop noise, it becomes busyness’.
exploration of Ma between Visual and Audio enhancements.
Focus on how Western culture doesn’t practice Ma, and effect.
Understanding why Eastern Culture practices Ma. Past/Present/Effect on future
Methods:
Archival Research, Interviews, Statistics.
Visual Material:
Cinematography Frames, Diagrams.