Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat (The Lumière Brothers, 1895)
The simplicity of this film created in 1895 by the Lumière Brothers is in itself a reflection of the monumental moment in history that occurred with the first screening of the film. Similarly to the arrival of a train existing as a seemingly mundane event to those of today who have access to a variety of modes of transportation, to experience the grandeur of a film in cinema is relatively common. However, at the time of the pieces’s creation and projection, this represented a new and transformed model of entertainment. This presentation of daily life in black and white features a still camera that captures the rapid movement of civilians. The quick paced steps of the patrons serve as a mirror to the upbeat piano music playing in the background. Furthermore, the noise typically caused by loud voices is entirely eliminated from the piece to highlight the two primary focuses of the scene: the people and the train they eagerly await. Personally while I can understand and appreciate the importance of this moment in history, I could not see myself revisiting the film in the future as it lacks the excitement and engagement I need when indulging in any form of media.
I agree that is very hard to revisit or enjoy the film as you might other films because of the lack of excitement or engagement, since we have already been exposed or have experienced being on a train. However, I do believe and as you stated, this an important moment of history to appreciate.
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