In my discussion post I'd like to discuss the film called "The Moderns". It is one of my favorite films that boosts critical thinking. I am sure that this film is the best idea for the discussion post. From the very beginning of “The Moderns” film we get in the atmosphere of art and bohemia. Paris in 1920s is the flourishing of the modernism and romantic world; in the midst of it, the group of Americans full of innovations and creative activities lived. Film starts with the black and white shots but it does not prevent us from understanding the mood of the film.
The events of the movie take place during the epoch of modernism. The character of Nikolas Hart is an artist from America; he is unpopular and has no money. As other geniuses of those times like Fitzgerald, Hemingway, or Steinbeck, he is intending to act, to look for inspiration and create. People of that period did not see the importance of his actions. Majority of them lived poorly. Representatives of modernism prefer to live this way, as they think they were born not to attend upon somebody but to bind themselves with modernist culture.
Film “The Moderns” is quite impressive when discussing it from a perspective of the modernism evolution. Through this film we comprehend art not as money on the canvas or paper, but a judgment of knowers. Modernists are talking about art as something that is uncertain and relative.
The film discloses an intricate process of formation in the society. From the film we get an understanding that art is based on inner freedom and unique vision of the creator.
Being imbued with a film, we see another lifestyle where people pretend not to necessarily live where they were born but instead choose extraordinary professions far away from home. Nikolas Hart and his friends are trying to set a new rhythm for life of Modernist society;. this society differs from traditional with its high level of culture. This fact creates serious preconditions for democracy. However, the influence of artists’ and writers’ work was aimed to break frames not only in art but in all aspects of human life.
What is the main difference between the artists and authors of nowadays from creative characters of those times. In my opinion artists had the strong wish to make a step from reality and change forms and words of the art. In the film we see Nikolas and others deny traditional view on life and art. This film has made me understand that the society of modernists created their own unique era instead of dreaming about “good old times”.
There are a few shots showing the working process of Nikolas Hart. At first sight, we can make a conclusion that representatives of modernism did not work at all. However, when watching a movie it is important to try to realize oneself as a person of 20s’.
Modernism in all of its manifestations was created by the artistic people of 20’s for deep penetration in the minds and sub consciousness.
From this film we can see that acts of heroes are dictated by their stream of consciousness. That gives them ability to imprint their feelings, thoughts and emotions in the canvas, paper or with the help of music.
Modernism still has an impact on the art of the 20 century. Such streams as futurism and avant-gardism still have authority and demand among the public.
In my opinion, “The Moderns” movie reflects this era in a worthy way and deserves everyone’s attention. It is important to try to concentrate on what the director wanted to show, and listen to his story carefully. Attentive audience of the film will be plugged into the atmosphere of uncommon and masterly people who created and made modernism as it is.