Playing in the Frames - A Deluzean Perspective

 




The scene occurs at a fairground, depicting the interplay of two separate fair rides. A rotatable balloon ride where a child takes their merry time toppling and turning around a pool. A swinging ride enters the frame in the background, cutting the frame diagonally. 

Referring to the framework of Gilles Deleuze’s theory of movement image, the frame is essentially divided into multiple subsets that exist independently. The choreography of parallel action  of the balloon and the swing demonstrates the interplay of two separate dynamic frames, that reveals its own sets, subsets and trajectory of movement across the frame. It also enforces the idea of frame within a frame, solidifying their own independence. The initial blurred impression of the swing through the walls of the balloon reveals its existence as an extension of the frame, the visibility of partial movement into the frame represents the expansion of movement in correspondence to the surrounding world.

The foreground in the frame represents the boy playing inside the balloon, the midground represents the space between the balloon ride and the swinging ride, where the space is vacant mostly with occasional movement of a fair worker/technician. The background depicts the swinging ride. The movement in the foreground is right to left or left to right, occupying the frame through a rotating circular motion. The movement therein is centrifugal, as it shifts from the centre and proceeds outwards. The background movement inserts itself diagonally, cutting the rectangular frames in the midground. It is almost centripetal as it inserts itself from outside the frame and towards the centre and expands beyond. The foreground and background are also heavily saturated whilst the midground is rarefied. 

The three forms of movement image that Deleuze theorizes are represented in the frame. The perception image is visualized through the boy's perspective as he shares the balloon with another girl, the girl gets off the ride and he gets the balloon to himself. The action image is depicted when the boy plays around the balloon, jumps and falls. The affection image is reflected through the gleeful expression of the boy as he topples inside the balloon and pushes it around the pool. 

The frame refers to Deleuze's theory of construction, deconstruction and reconstruction. The frame starts with the construction of the boy's perspective in the balloon, the balloon occupying the entirety of the frame for 30 seconds. It is then deconstructed as the balloon departs from the frame revealing the swing ride behind, and the space between the two, familiarizing the viewer with the expansiveness of the space. The reappearance of the balloon demonstrates reconstruction of a previous frame, the consequent movement of the balloon in and out of the frame reinforces this construction. 

Through the perspective of Deleuze's theory, the frame exhibits dynamism and the choice of the fairground solidifies this aspect of movement in a cyclical format. The rides stay in momentum, revealing a cyclical pattern of stasis and dynamism. 

- Sagarika Roy

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