2024-09-08 05:07:43
Eadweard Muybridge was not only a photography pioneer who took legendary pictures to this day. He also shot and killed his wife’s lover. This Janus-faced nature of a person who was the midwife of a new era and at the same time took a life is the subject of “Bullet Time” by Alexander Kerlin, the head dramaturge at the Vienna Volkstheater. Host Kay Voges himself was responsible for the technically impressive premiere on Saturday.
The focus is on the trial against Muybridge (Frank Genser) after the crime. Is the visual genius, who is considered an early pioneer of moving images with his first pictures of a galloping horse, no longer in control of his senses? How much madness is there in the loner eccentric? His lawyer Victoria Pendergast (Evi Kehrstephan) fights for her shaggy client, while prosecutor Dennis Spencer (Fabian Reichenbach) wants to bring the accused to the gallows with the help of witnesses.
Voges transforms this well-known setting into a live film. Sometimes the court proceedings on the front stage are duplicated as a film on the screen above, sometimes individual witness stories are replayed as flashbacks in the back. The precision of the choreographic changes of the actors, the camera team that always finds the right angle, are simply impressive and testament to technical mastery. Peppered with ironic quotes such as trick fades, the resulting moving image is stylistically reminiscent of the already referential cinema of Quentin Tarantino.
Only the ensemble’s distinctive theatrical diction stands in the way of the frictionless transposition of the stage world into cinema mode. The great dichotomy of the evening, however, lies less in the contrast between film and theater than in the dual track of philosophical consideration of photography and the conventional situation of the court hearing. Thoughts on the change in the perception of the world through the possibility of freezing time in the image, of preserving the moment, are sometimes exercised in precise image exegesis, and the power of the images is ultimately analyzed right up to the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump. After all, even in Muybridge’s time, California proved to be a breeding ground for global change, as the tycoon Leland Stanford financed the innovator’s experiments in order to gain a breeding advantage over the competition by precisely analyzing the movement of horses. In 1878, Muybridge achieved what had previously been technically impossible.
However, these culturally reflective scenes are contrasted by the long courtroom scenes, which are more dynamic and reminiscent of “Matlock” than fast-paced moving images. Even if Lavinia Nowak is an impressively emancipated wife Flora, or Evi Kehrstephan is a lawyer who is as charming as she is tough, the almost three-hour evening could have been tightened up considerably, especially in this second strand. The relationship constellations and game situations seem too old-fashioned here, and the contrast to the more inspiring reflections seems too great. “I grew up in a slow world,” says Muybridge at one point. The “Bullet Time” audience can understand this feeling well in many places.
(By Martin Fichter-Wöß/APA)
(SERVICE – “Bullet Time. The birth of cinema from the mind of a murderer” by Alexander Kerlin at the Volkstheater, Arthur-Schnitzler-Platz 1, 1070 Vienna. Director: Kay Voges, Stage: Michael Sieberock-Serafimowitsch, Costume: Mona Ulrich, Soundtrack: Paul Wallfisch, Director of Photography: Max Hammel, Light Design and Color Grading: Voxi Bärenklau. With Eadweard Muybridge – Frank Genser, Flora Muybridge – Lavinia Nowak, Sarah Louisa – Anke Zillich, Victoria Pendergast – Evi Kehrstephan, Dennis Spencer – Fabian Reichenbach, Leland Stanford – Uwe Rohbeck, Harry Larkyns – Elias Eilinghoff, William H. Rulofson – Uwe Schmieder, Helen Edwards – Claudia Sabitzer, Axel Ellis – Christoph Schüchner, Judge Palmer – Anke Zillich, Trinity Mills – Claudia Sabitzer, George Wulf – Christoph Schüchner, James McArthur – Uwe Rohbeck, Barmaid – Anke Zillich. Further performances on September 15th and 22nd, October 4th, November 8th and 28th, December 18th and May 3rd, 2025. www.volkstheater.at/produktion/1993067/bullet-time/)
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Eadweard Muybridge famous photos
Table of Contents
Eadweard Muybridge: The Pioneer of Photography and the Janus-Faced Murderer
Eadweard Muybridge, a British photographer, is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of photography, particularly for his work in capturing the movement of horses through a series of photographs [[1]][[2]]. His innovative approach to photography has led to significant advancements in the field, earning him a place in history. However, Muybridge’s life was not without controversy, and his complex personality has been the subject of fascination, even inspiring a play called “Bullet Time” by Alexander Kerlin at the Vienna Volkstheater.
The Trial of Eadweard Muybridge
The play ”Bullet Time” focuses on the trial of Muybridge, who was accused of murdering his wife’s lover [[3]]. The trial, which is the central theme of the play, raises questions about Muybridge’s mental state and whether he was in control of his actions. His lawyer, Victoria Pendergast, fights to defend him, while the prosecutor, Dennis Spencer, is determined to bring Muybridge to justice.
A Blend of Theater and Film
The play’s director, Kay Voges, has transformed the traditional courtroom setting into a live film, incorporating elements of cinema into the production. The use of a screen above the stage allows for scenes to be replayed as flashbacks, creating a sense of cinematic nostalgia. The precision of the choreographic changes and the camera work are impressive, making the production a technical masterpiece.
Philosophical Reflections on Photography
The play also explores the themes of photography and its impact on our perception of the world. Muybridge’s work, which involved capturing the movement of horses through a series of photographs, has been seen as a precursor to the development of moving images. The play reflects on the power of photography to freeze time and preserve moments, which has had a profound impact on our understanding of the world.
The Contrast between Film and Theater
The play raises interesting questions about the contrast between film and theater, as well as the relationship between the photographer and his subject. While the courtroom scenes are dynamic and reminiscent of the TV show ”Matlock,” the more reflective scenes on photography and its impact on society are thought-provoking and inspiring.
Eadweard Muybridge’s Legacy
Eadweard Muybridge’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, he is celebrated as a pioneer in the field of photography, whose work has had a profound impact on the development of moving images. On the other hand, his personal life was marked by tragedy and controversy, making him a fascinating subject for study and exploration.
“Bullet Time” is a thought-provoking play that explores the complexities of Eadweard Muybridge’s life and work. Through its innovative blend of theater and film, the play raises important questions about the power of photography and its impact on our understanding of the world. Muybridge’s legacy continues to inspire and fascinate, making him a significant figure in the history of photography and beyond.
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The Fascinating Story of Bullet Time: From Eadweard Muybridge to Modern Technology
Bullet Time, a concept that has fascinated audiences for over a century, has its roots in the innovative work of Eadweard Muybridge, a photography pioneer who not only captured legendary images but also took a life. This dichotomy is the subject of “Bullet Time” by Alexander Kerlin, the head dramaturge at the Vienna Volkstheater. In this article, we will delve into the history of Bullet Time, its evolution, and its applications in modern technology.
The Birth of Bullet Time
In 1878, Eadweard Muybridge achieved what was technically impossible at the time. He used a set of still cameras activated by a string to create the effect of a galloping horse in motion [1]. This groundbreaking innovation paved the way for the development of moving images and film. Muybridge’s work laid the foundation for the concept of Bullet Time, which allows filmmakers to slow down or freeze time, creating a dramatic and captivating visual effect.
The Art of Bullet Time
Bullet Time has become an essential tool in the film industry, allowing directors to create breathtaking sequences that captivate audiences worldwide. The technique involves using high-speed cameras to capture action at a rate much faster than the human eye can perceive. The footage is then slowed down or manipulated to create the desired effect. This technique has been used in numerous films, including the Matrix trilogy, to create memorable and iconic scenes.
Exhibitions and Artistic Interpretations
Bullet Time has also inspired artistic interpretations and exhibitions. For example, the City Gallery in Wellington, New Zealand, hosted an exhibition showcasing the work of two video artists, Daniel Crooks and Steve Carr, who explored the concept of time and its manipulation [2]. Another exhibition, titled “Bullet Time,” was held at the Circuit Artist Moving Image Aotearoa New Zealand, which featured the work of artists experimenting with time and technology [3].
The Intersection of Technology and Art
The story of Bullet Time is a fascinating tale of innovation, artistry, and the intersection of technology and creativity. From its humble beginnings with Eadweard Muybridge to its modern applications in film and art, Bullet Time continues to inspire and captivate audiences. The concept has come full circle, with modern technology allowing artists to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
the fascinating story of Bullet Time is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. From its origins in the 19th century to its modern applications, Bullet Time has become an integral part of our visual culture. As technology continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Bullet Time continues to shape and influence the world of art and film.