Creating a sense of absurd via formal means

G

golasa

Member
I am about to filming a documentary, mostly interviews of people in their office. For this project, I wish to create atmosphere of absurdity via cinematographic tools. Here, I don't mean to diminish the speaker but rather to the contrary. To highlight the nature of their activity. Like the theater of the absurd or the notion of absurd in the existentialism writing, I am looking to create the tension between what they wish to achieve and what they can actually achieve. Between their desire and their destiny.

In that frame I wish to ask for references, anything that can stimulate the creative process.
Does any one have a reference films to watch, articles to read, anything that relates absurd and cinema. Even other ideas and comments that cross your mind while reading this mail and may stimulate my creation are highly welcome.

Many thanks in advance!!

PS - Camus defined the absurd as the tension created when humanity continually seeks to discover purpose and order in a universe which refuses to provide.
 
Well the usual cliche is to slap on a fisheye lens and move it right up into people's faces. Clown makeup optional.

You have a fisheye at the wrong angle and things look pretty absurd.
 
I would be going to the art department first.... to achieve this end.

Then I would consider lens and light etc...
 
How you edit the piece will play a large part in the feel of it, absurd or otherwise. Simple things like holding a shot for a second longer than normal, after the subject has finished speaking for example.
 
Agree with holding the shot. Also play with ambient sound and the silence between dialogue. Also sometimes a bit of background nonsensical activity works wonders- the key, however, is to be subtle. Its very easy to go over the top on this.
 
Thanks! Your advices talk to me;)
Do you have, does anyone have recommendations for case studies, finding some help what to do/not to do and simply feeding my inspiration?
 
Fisheyes always need to be used sparingly, but certainly I'd suggest using some very wide lenses to play around with perspective and your subjects (i.e. have them appear to move from very close to very far away from the lens, by simply stepping back from an ultra-wide.

Things like that can create quite a heightened sense of things.
 
Framing : lots and i meant LOTS of headroom or way too little - cut out their eyes
Dutch angles.
Maybe a dutch head for the angle to move as you are filming
Strange color combinations
Weird shadows
 
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