The regular movie-going experience usually constitutes sitting in front of a screen, patiently (or not) watching and accepting exactly what the filmmaker wants you to see; and usually that’s just fine for the average movie-goer. But I’m sure everyone who has a love for cinema has wondered what it would be like to be able to see beyond the one screen. Well, what if there were nine? Director Isaac Julien has attempted to answer this question with his immersive nine-screen masterpiece, Ten Thousand Waves.
Currently on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art, the hour-long movie weaves together three stories set in ancient and present-day China, blending Chinese legend with actual events to tell a tale of a foreign, complex race of people whose stories, despite all cultural difference, strike a chord within viewers of all races. Its captivating visuals, which balance urban landscape with lush forests, fast-paced cityscapes with glimpses of rural life, are accompanied by an eclectic soundtrack which mirrors the movie’s theme of juxtaposition. Overall, it makes for a breathtaking experience.
What really makes it special, though, are the nine screens on which it is projected. Set up around a room, with two screens in the center, there is no order to the projection of the video. The image might dance randomly from one screen to another across the room, or progressively light them all up so as to capture the motion of a tram as it makes its way down the street. The point of it is to have the viewer walk around as if it were a piece of art, rather than sit in one place and watch it as if it were a conventional movie. In fact, there isn’t a spot in the room from where all screens can be viewed. People usually end up sprawled on the floor so as to fully take advantage of the panoramic effect it offers.
This conceptual film-making confection is evocative both in its presentation and content, though without one, the other would feel incomplete. There is always considerable debate as to what type of film can be considered a work of art, and I think this one has managed to transcend that distinction. It is on display until the 4th of March at the ICA and I highly recommend it to anyone who is in any way bored with the ordinary and ready to experience something new.
More details about the installation can be viewed on the ICA’s website.
