Dziga Vertov's 1929 silent film Man With A Movie Camera is, by itself, an extraordinary piece of work.
A montage that documents a day in the life of an idealised Soviet society, its energetic lyricism and formal invention are undeniably outstanding. But what really gives it top points is Vertov's ability to capture character.
Still, it lacks a story and, at 68 minutes long, this would be a difficult film to watch without a very strong score. That The Cinematic Orchestra provides this is without question.
An ensemble of players consisting of bass, drums, brass and strings filled the stage, while the film was projected on to the vast screen behind them.
A deliciously heartfelt piece, it succeeded in the main not only because it was beautiful but because it resisted the temptation to illustrate the film at the frenetic pace of its editing, instead opting for the broader sense of the work.
Bringing a sense of narrative pace to the film that made it all the more compelling, this was a very special and highly-moving experience.
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