Dry Lights is an experimental film using “virtual site-specific installations and surreal performances of choreographed lights in organic landscapes.” by a Toronto based filmmaker, Xavier Chassaing. It combines organic structures (specifically focusing on cactus plants) and artificial light sources edited into the scene during the post production process to turn something completely barren of technology (the desert) into an electronic environment.
The video is a good lens to explore noticing through. It completely controls the audience’s attention at every point of the video, directing them through the virtually created lighting patterns. It’s a great exercise in non-fiction filmmaking, as there is not plot or narrative, simply the choreographed light show twisting through the desert completely changing the environment.
As far as how it relates to my project, I see two important links. First of all, since I’m exploring light sources and their impact on the audience’s attention and how they change an environment, it’s incredibly linked to this piece. Obviously there are differences, as Im looking into using multiple spaces and I’m going to use a static camera but it, at the very least, strongly demonstrates that the endeavor I’m taking on can produce incredibly visually striking results. Secondly, it shows the natural relationship between light and noticing. I don’t think that people actively notice light sources too often, but within the frame of a film, they are incredible at drawing the eye and they can completely change a space. Hopefully this effect light has on drawing the audience’s attention can be exploited throughout my piece. This film also convinced me to shoot entirely outside. I was considering using a mixture of interior and exteriors but I feel that shooting outside, at night will give a more striking visual experience.
Reference
Dry Lights – Xavier Chassaing. (2016). Dry Lights. 24 November 2016. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXSKhohnmos.