One reason why film flicker is different -more pronounced- than video
flicker is because film frames are presented discreetly, with a
shutter-close (not a "black frame") between each frame, whereas video
images are a continuously updated image. The video "frame" is only
notional, not actual. The sense of rock-steadyness in video comes
partly from the way the image is generated from a fixed grid/array of
pixels, whereas every frame of film is different in terms of the its
material base: the disposition of grain is different in every frame.
Paolo Cherchi Usai even argues that every print of the same movie is
different because the grain pattern is different in each print!
Nicky Hamlyn.
On 2 Mar 2006, at 11:09, Herbert Schwaab wrote:
> Dear participants,
>
> doing research for a text on the effects of computer generated imagery
> (CGI) on film aesthetics I noticed the significance of the phenomenon
> of the flicker effect as something that is lost in digital film. As
> many things, I seemed to understand it. I know how the flicker effect
> of film feels like compaired to video, but trying to explain it to a
> comrad philosopher I suddenly felt lost. Does flicker-effect mean,
> that the image is pulsating due to the black frames in between
> every film frame, or does it mean, that it is more luminous? Does the
> flicker-effect get lost, when CGI is integrated in analog film. If it
> is lost, how could it get lost?
> George Lucas says to the flicker effect:
> „Digital is malleable – you can do anything. I’m convinced that film
> has a soul, and for me it’s the jiggle in the [projector] gate. I
> causes your eyes to constantly move around, which makes them tired,
> but that makes the image soft and mushy, kind of mellow, warm. I think
> that’s what makes people think that digital is sort of cold and
> severe, because it’s rock-steady. But if you wanted to create that
> jiggle in the gate, you could. I prefer the steadfastness it gives
> you a cleaner, sharper image.”
> But I am not sure, as my notes weren''t as precise as
> they should, whether it is lost only when film is digitally projected.
>
> I will be very grateful for your help,
>
> Herbert.
>
>
>
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