Long shots- Tarkovsky

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4nvJFupqk&feature=youtu.be

I have been studying Tarkovsky closely as I have become a fan of his work and am hoping to understand his filming process better and incorporate elements within my work.

A trait of Tarkovsky's is to take lengthy shots. By staying on each scene for an extended period of time, it somehow provokes thought and casts suspense on the audience.

Perhaps because we are accustomed to western films with constant cuts and simple, descriptive shots, Tarkovsky's extended shots leave the audience waiting for something to happen. When nothing happens the audience is forced to analyse the story and spend time with their own views and thoughts, challenged by the perspective of the film.

As Tarkovsky's films adopt a philosophical approach, the audience are forced to questions their own philosophy. This is done in a subtle manner, disguised and soothed by the distraction of the film. At the end of the film it is evident that various questions have been raised and the questioning lingers on. Tarkovsky didn't like to give everything away.. he kept his audience thinking.
When discussing Mirror, Tarkovsky shared how they made a point of constructing the scene subtly so that 'the audience would not be aware of it straight away, but just have a vague feeling of something strange. We were not trying to underline an idea by using slow motion, but to bring out a state of mind through means other than acting' (p110. Sculpting in Time)

Sooooo, this brings me on to my video, which obviously seems so inferior after discussing Tarkovsky's work! But! I am working on taking extended shots, as I had issues when I first went to shoot my footage with making my clips too short (schoolboy error!). I liked the snow and pace of the train and it reminded me of a shot in Stalker, when the three men are travelling through Russia on a rail car. Although nothing like it, I think the inclusion of longer scenes within my documentary could work well and may help me address some of my particular aims, such as provoking thought and immersion, when combined with other mediums.