A ground-breaking film for its treatment of race and sexuality, directed by the editor of the modernist art film journal Close Up (1927-33). Borderline stars the black American singer Paul Robeson and his wife Eslanda Robeson, as well as the poet H.D. and director Macpherson’s wife, writer Winifred Bryher.
The narrative is relatively simple, depicting an inter-racial love triangle in a bohemian setting, but the attempts to portray the inner psychological states of its protagonists, using a technique that H.D. referred to as ‘clatter-montage’, in which rapid montage combinations create an effect close to superimposition, make it thoroughly complex. The racial issues are boldly set out: The unsettling presence of the unassuming black man seems to ignite an intense series of responses. Ultimately, he is black, and will be forced out of town on suspicion of a murder committed by his white friend, who will remain above suspicion.
Also in this combined programme
-
Les chasseurs d’ivoire
Alfred Machin follows the process of hunting an elephant, removing the tusks, and on to the workshops where craftsmen fashion new objects from the ivo -
Teug: Chaudronnerie d’Art
Our heroes take broken engines and dismantle them, recovering the aluminium and reshaping it into a variety of cooking utensils. -
Blind Date
Inspired by the Baganda tribal creation myth of Kintu, the first man and woman on earth are observed during their sensual awakening. -
Promenade du Sudan
A whirlwind tour through one of the largest countries of Africa in five minutes, from frenetic sabre-wielding dancers to artisans working in a foundry
Film details
- Country of production
- United Kingdom
- Year
- 1930
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2010
- Length
- 63'
- Medium/Format
- DV cam
