Man with a Movie Camera (1929) | Dziga Vertov's Revolutionary Symphony | Soviet Avant-Garde

From the Vaults of LostReel: A Groundbreaking Experiment in Pure Cinema

LostReel is proud to present Dziga Vertov's "Man with a Movie Camera," a radical and exhilarating masterpiece of the Soviet avant-garde that shattered the conventions of filmmaking. Released in 1929, this film is not a story but an experience—a vibrant, kinetic portrait of a day in the life of a modern Soviet city.

A "City Symphony" Like No Other.
"Man with a Movie Camera" has no actors, no plot, and no intertitles. Instead, it captures the raw energy of urban life in Moscow, Kiev, and Odessa. From the quiet dawn to the bustling day and vibrant nightlife, Vertov documents the city's inhabitants at work and play, in a dazzling montage that celebrates the dynamism of the machine age. The film's true "characters" are the cameraman, played by Vertov's brother Mikhail Kaufman, the editor, Vertov's wife Yelizaveta Svilova, and the city itself.

The Visual Language of the "Kino-Eye".
This film is the ultimate expression of Vertov's "Kino-Eye" theory, which held that the camera lens is an extension of the human eye, capable of capturing a deeper, more profound truth. "Man with a Movie Camera" is a visual manifesto, employing a breathtaking array of innovative techniques, including double exposure, fast and slow motion, freeze frames, jump cuts, split screens, and extreme close-ups. Vertov's pioneering editing creates a visual symphony, transforming everyday reality into a work of astonishing cinematic poetry.

A Landmark of Documentary and Avant-Garde Film.
Initially met with criticism for its radical form, "Man with a Movie Camera" is now considered one of the most influential films ever made. Its self-reflexive nature, constantly revealing the process of its own creation, was revolutionary and continues to inspire filmmakers today. As a platform dedicated to unearthing cinematic gems, LostReel invites you to witness this audacious and timeless experiment that redefined the possibilities of cinema.

Director: Dziga Vertov
Year: 1929

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