Backdrop preview Impressions de New York backdrop
Impressions de New York

Impressions de New York (1956)

Nov 01, 1956 12m Documentary

(auto-translation: LA CINÉMATHÈQUE FRANÇAISE ) Using a subjective camera, set to music by Bela Bartók and text by Arthur Rimbaud, François Reichenbach offers a highly singular vision of the American megalopolis. (MIFF:) These are no ordinary travel notes brought back from America by filmmakers; they are not enthusiastic records of skyscrapers and crowds. but disturbing aspects of a hallucinatory world of concrete and metal, glaring light and haunting shadow. The film is notable for its dramatic use of colour, and music from Bela Bartok's ballet "The Miraculous Mandarin". (a-t:) F.B. confides in his memoir 'Le monde a encore un visage' (1981): "When I went to New York for the first time, I'd brought along a Bell & Howell 16mm camera whose instructions I hadn't read. I didn't know how to use the film, and inadvertently loaded some rolls that had already been printed, which resulted in these strange superimposed images. A well-known process that I had reinvented by accident".

Directed by François Reichenbach

Cast

View All
Jacques Doniol-Valcroze
View Profile
Jacques Doniol-Valcroze

as Commentary

Jean Desailly
View Profile
Jean Desailly

as Narrator

Crew

Director
  • François Reichenbach
Writer
  • François Reichenbach
  • Jacques Doniol-Valcroze

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Impressions de New York represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director François Reichenbach brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1956, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Impressions de New York took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 12 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 51 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The costume department created over 493 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1956, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: November 1, 1956
  • Runtime: 12m

Similar Movies