‘Numbers’ – jewels from all over the world

The films were very short (sometimes less than one minute in length) and were almost exclusively made in a single shot. They were arranged in an effective and entertaining succession, avoiding repetition and similar items and endeavouring to achieve as much contrast as possible. The ‘numbers’ were a mixture of current events, films about technology and nature, travel and landscape pictures and comical interludes. The film pioneers and performers based their productions on established media – illustrated magazines, novels, illustrated stories and postcards – and popular theatre, Kaiserpanoramas and special effects.

In the early days of cinematography, the travelling shows were dominated by non-fictional items. Two forms dominated: Naturaufnahmen or ‘nature recordings’ – travel pictures of cities, landscapes and exotic customs – and industrial pictures, manufacturing and work processes. These early films were clearly influenced by a voyeuristic/exhibitionist approach, and the prying camera and posing by the subjects are evident. Landscapes were shot from above or swept by the camera. Close-ups showed work processes in detail. Workers or passers-by were shot posing in front of the camera and exchanging looks, and the act of being filmed was a constant subject.

Travel pictures were particularly popular and offered a mixture of sights such as parks, picturesque landscapes, monuments, magnificent buildings, cityscapes, fairs, exotic animals, strange customs and traditions. Long shots alternated with pictures of busy streets or interesting buildings. Vienna was also a popular subject in these travelling shows in the early days of cinematography. The film Le Ring shot in 1896 shows the busy activity on the thoroughfare. The camera was set up at ground level opposite the Opera looking down Kärtner Strasse. The angled shot with lampposts breaks up the image attractively, while the projecting buildings add depth. Passers-by and carriages moving directly towards the camera give a feeling of actuality. The camera puts the observer right in the heart of the action.

Translation: Nick Somers