Jon Jost, independent film-maker. The early films2. FlowerJon Jost's short film 'Flower' (1970) explores the relationship between language and meaning. A direct parallel is drawn between film language and verbal language. The film opens with a quote, in the form of a printed text, from Mallarmé saying that when he reads the word 'flower' he experiences a sense of beauty. But there is no flower actually there, only the word, and the associated … [Read more...]
Jon Jost, Independent Film-maker – Speaking Directly
by Riksarkivet (National Archives of Norway) Jon Jost, independent film-maker. The early films5. Speaking Directly'Speaking Directly' (1973-75), Jon Jost's first feature film, draws together many of the elements explored in his short films, and can be seen as his opening statement to a wider public. It does not have the integrity of structure which his later work achieved, and looks like a collection of shorts, but the whole gains an … [Read more...]
Jon Jost, Independent Film-maker – 13 Fragments and 3 Narratives from Life
by The Library of Congress Jon Jost, independent film-maker. The early films3. 13 Fragments and 3 Narratives from LifeThe subject of '13 Fragments and 3 Narratives from Life' is a girl called Katya; not an actress playing a part, but an ordinary girl who has collaborated with Jost in making a film about herself. The film employs the form and techniques of a documentary, but what emerges is a three-way dialogue between Jost, Katya, and … [Read more...]