Absolute Film

The idea of "absolute film" is very interesting. I think it's difficult for modern day audiences and filmmakers to really grasp the ability to make something that references no outside sources. I know that's a challenge for me, but I know I'd like my work to have some kind of message. I feel like if there is any message in absolute film it's that art for art's sake is still worth appreciating. I personally view that kind of work as something that plays with aesthetic. The filmmaker is creating an aesthetic rather than a narrative. I know that's something I would like to play with more, though I think using actual celluloid would ease the process and be a lot more fun. It's much more hands-on and nitty-gritty than sitting at a computer. Also, I liked that all of the artists mentioned in the article worked together, or at least in proximity to one another. To me that emphasizes that need for an artistic community to keep you creating and challenging yourself with the medium. I think it's important to have people to work with and/or adjacent to to keep yourself motivated. I know it helps me.