Made without a camera by scratching directly into the emulsion of a black film leader with dental implements and other sharp tools, Free Radicals is a dynamic, rhythmic work. The result is a dancing pattern of flashing lines and marks, as dramatic as lightning in the night sky. Lye’s lines weave their way through various two and three-dimensional permutations as an elemental electrical line evoking creation in its most basic form. The film appeared to ‘discover’ the form of the DNA molecule ahead of the scientists.
Also in this combined programme
-
77
In 77 we see a number of simple mechanic objects spiral out of a spray-paint nebula then implode into pure pattern and line. -
Flammes
Souvenirs scattered in space, electronically transformed images of errant people. -
48 Köpfe aus dem Szondi-Test
Portraits meant to present an experimental diagnostic of human drives. -
Wrist Trick (Fluxfilm #28)
Negative and positive images of a wrist being slit by a razor blade alternate with the image of a banana. -
Moral Rearmement
With her lo-tech images, the maker scans popular representations of woman and adds some slogans. -
Scratch Pad
Scratched footage, including images of prostitutes near Les Halles in Paris. -
Negative Man
The negative man gets what he deserves: irreverent graffiti scratched on his persona.
Film details
- Country of production
- USA
- Year
- 1957
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2000
- Length
- 5'
- Medium/Format
- 16mm
