Ballet mécanique

Keynote by Bruce Posner and films

Ballet mécanique
Fernand Léger, Dudley Murphy, 1924
Cinematography: Dudley Murphy, Man Ray, Ezra Pound; Music: George Antheil, adapted and arranged by Paul D. Lehrman (1999/2001); Performers: Kiki de Montparnasse, Katherine Murphy, Dudley Murphy. DCP (from 35mm), color and b/w, 13 min. English/French subtitles

Ballet mécanique Medley X3
US 2019
Compiled by Bruce Posner based on seven different versions of the film and four versions of the music from different sources. DCP (from 35mm), color and b/w, 15 min

Ballet mécanique Colors 8
US 2022
Compiled by Bruce Posner based on the geometric shapes and editing patterns common to two early major versions of the film (a copy from the estate of Frederick Kiesler and a copy from the Dutch avant-garde movement Filmliga). DCP (from 35mm), color and b/w, 3 min

Both the abstract film Ballet mécanique (1923-1935) by the French painter Fernand Léger and the American filmmaker Dudley Murphy and the piece of music Ballet mécanique (1924-1953) by the American composer George Antheil are undeniable milestones of 20th century modern art. The premiere of the film - silent and without musical accompaniment - took place in 1924 at the International Exhibition of New Theatre Technology organized by Friedrich Kiesler as part of the Music and Theatre Festival of the City of Vienna. Since then, both avant-garde experiments have independently captivated audiences with uncompromising challenges to viewing and listening habits. The interpretation of their extremely complex visual and acoustic substructures was made even more difficult by the existence of five different film versions and at least four versions of the music. Only recently, with the help of computer technology, have the two works been performed together as the authors originally intended. Film curator Bruce Posner will discuss the convoluted history of these hyperkinetic masterpieces using rare archival footage. (Bruce Posner)

Photo: Austrian Film Museum