Some Thoughts on 35mm: A Musical Exhibition
I never finished high school, I haven't written an essay in years, and my media literacy is pitiful, but I thought.. what's there to lose? So, here goes.
This post isn't quite about the themes of 35mm, but more about the framing. I've been thinking a lot lately about the idea of each ensemble member being a single consistent character rather than a fluid and how that might work. I don't think it's been directly stated anywhere whether that's the case or not, but I'd like to give my reasoning for why I think it is in some ways. Maybe I'm blatantly restating something everyone already knows, but hey, can't hurt to think aloud, right?
Stop Time gives us the framing, a photographer and their photos. For a long time I considered it and Finale the only bits of the framing, two bookends. Looking back now it seems a bit obvious that the transitions would also a part of that, but I guess I sort of dismissed it because the entire ensemble took part in them. Which is where I began thinking about the idea of there being photographers plural. Or maybe more accurately the photographer and their audience.
Each song a photo and each transition an analysis by the group also hearing and seeing the stories like we are. Maybe some of the viewers are also subjects of the photos. I've heard it said that the Idle Boy is a character consistent through the musical, if that's the case perhaps he's both a sitter and a friend of the photographer, viewing their work along with others.
In this way, I see the songs like expressions of the artist statement and the ensemble during them more of a non-diegetic visual. Sort of like a group of friends reading a book and taking turns reading dialogue for each character, except you know its not happening and is for the benefit of the fourth wall.
So, I guess in conclusion, to me the framing of 35mm is a gallery show, populated by a photographer and their friends. A discussion between an artist and thoughtful onlookers, a group which may even include the subjects of some of the art. A show and tell of sorts! Just a thought!