Backdrop preview Fishing for Goldfish backdrop
Fishing for Goldfish

Fishing for Goldfish (1895)

Dec 28, 1895 1m Documentary

A man, holding a baby up in his hands, is standing next to a fishbowl. The baby is trying, in vain, to catch a goldfish with her bare hands.

Directed by Louis Lumière

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Louis Lumière
Producer
  • Auguste Lumière
  • Louis Lumière

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Thematic Analysis

Fishing for Goldfish 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 Louis Lumière 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 1895, 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 Fishing for Goldfish took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 1 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 43 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 388 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1895, when this film was released:
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Fishing for Goldfish shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Berlin: Symphony of a Great City, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Fishing for Goldfish offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Laurel & Hardy: Their Lives and Magic and The Dawn of Sound: How Movies Learned to Talk explore similar territory, Fishing for Goldfish stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 28, 1895
  • Runtime: 1m