One of the biggest stories in the history of cinema about a group of people who moved from the arrival on the screen of the train. It is a 50-second silent film by a famous person Brother Lumièreand the title bluntly L’arrivée d’un train en gare de La Ciotat (The arrival of the train at La Ciotat) carried a legend that grew over time. The image itself is a classic of silent cinema and a spellbinding image of the past era. However, recent inquiries and developments have led to surprising discoveries that question whether the founding myth of the cinematic experience has any element of truth.
Who are the Lumière brothers?
As the most respected pioneers of the film medium, the contributions of the brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière are immeasurable. As teenagers, they began experimenting with photographic plates, all of which came from their father, Antoine’s business. In 1894, National Geographic reported that Antoine was an audience for a demonstration of the Kinetoscope by Thomas Edison and William Dickinson. The audience can only see through the peephole, which limits the number of people who can watch the moving image at one time. Inspired by what he saw, the father excitedly returned home and encouraged his son to develop. Similar controls.
A year later, in 1895, they came up with the improved Cinématographe, a device that could shoot, develop, and display motion pictures. For some, despite the debate, it was considered the first film camera and was patented in the same year. In the same vein, the brothers, as noted by National Geographic, are also claimed to be responsible for the concept of the movie poster, which was used for the first time in advertising for their new device.
This revolutionary invention was responsible for dozens of Lumière films. In what could be called the world’s first public screening, the Lumières presented the only silent film that would change the course of cinema forever. General announcements La Sortie de l’usine Lumière à Lyon (Leaving the Lumière factory in Lyon), hit the screen, and was an instant hit. The moving image on the screen for a wide audience to see is the proportional fulfillment of the Word. Books, and movies have become a new story. All of a sudden, that thought fades away and becomes something larger than life. Despite their initial image success, The arrival of the train Perhaps still the most celebrated, widely because of the legend that accompanies it.
Where did the mystery of the Lumière Brothers film begin?
Allegedly, when the train with the name of the film came in the direction of the camera, the noisy audience moved out of the way in surprise and amazement. Some even claim that the audience is afraid of this new phenomenon, and more afraid than curiosity. It is a long story that continues to reverberate in the cultural zeitgeist and has become a shining example of the magic of cinema. In recent memory, movies like: Martin Scorsese‘s Hugo Help immortalize this idea. It is worth noting that Scorsese did not actually establish this happening, but only contributed to the spread of its mythos.
Most people who watch the history of cinema have always harkened to this moment, later realized that it is a universal truth. Journalists and historians who wrote in various publications from many countries, and basically made this claim. Again and again.
Why might the Lumière Brothers story be wrong?
However, an examination of the history of the film proves otherwise. Since movies were still a relatively new phenomenon at this time, their creators created strange stories to advertise their products. One such story is an anecdote in 1901, during the Boer War. Supposedly, British men were angered by having Boers on the screen, only to find out that it was not true. Eventually people discovered that the “angry” man was paid to treasure the delusional emotions, and thus, paid attention to the film.
There are other considerations, such as aiming to make moviegoers comfortable with arguments to ensure they keep coming back. It is argued that with moviegoers having a unified understanding of a relatively new technology, they will begin to interact with and consume more of its products. Hopefully, even on a consistent basis. Newspapers with the general theme of mocking citizens who are not intelligent at that time, unfortunately, gave these stories of credibility wide traction.
Upon systematic examination, direct sources and credible eyewitness accounts of these apparitions are almost non-existent. This is not for lack of records. There are countless documents about how people flooded the hall where the Lumière film was shown, but they never mention the chaotic audience, leaving the audience in shock. From a purely technological standpoint, it is highly unlikely to happen. The projected image is far from what modern audiences have grown up with. It is estimated to be rated at 16 to 20 fps, which would require a triple shutter to eliminate flickers. Lumière Cinématographe was installed with only two discs.
These are not the original animals watching this film, but more or less the same as us. today. It would be absurd to suppose that they would be tricked into ascribing pure reality to a series of delusional images. It is safe to say that this time-tested legend cannot be considered true.
What does the Lumière Brothers Myth mean for film?
Whatever the case, it does not diminish the importance of this photo. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Myths should always be considered when examining history, and with The arrival of the train at La Ciotat, The story behind the film provides an interesting insight. Beyond just highlighting the spectacular visuals of the film, it allows us to see how the formality and imagination of the film medium can lead to the creation of stories in the real world.
The existence, and persistence of the myth means a natural appreciation for cinema. It provides recognition of the power of the film and interestingly offers a framework for its promotion, the essence is still arguably today. Weird stories of backstage fights and such, wonderful or dismal receptions at high-profile screenings released to the public before a film’s world premiere, and similar stories may tip their hats to cinema’s founding lore. The famous story may not be true, but it should still be passed down to the next generation. It is for the sole point that the imagination of the moving image can enter the reality of everyone.