City symphony

City symphony is a film genre encompassing documentary, experimental, and the avant-garde that emerged in the 1920s.^[1] Coming to prominence alongside modernist art movements such as futurism, constructivism, and radicalism, city symphonies reflect the historical development of city centers and technological hubs of advancement.^[2] As the art of cinema became more respected, filmmakers such as Walter Ruttman and Dziga Vertov gravitated towards works highlighting the beauty of cities, aiming to capture scenes of modern life from their narrative points of views.^[1]

A Bronx Morning by Jay Leyda, a 1931 short film documenting the Bronx

Emergence

The term city "symphony" suggests a musically inclined editing pace and harmonious imagery to support the visual images. Many city symphony filmmakers shot their films with an artistically inclined eye, aiming to show urban hubs with aestheticism and beauty rather than as a travel log.^[3] Cities across the world such as Manhattan, Berlin, and Milan were filmed in admiration with positive images of their hardworking people and impressive industrial feats. Rather than have characters, dialogue, or narrative, the city itself was the star of these films.^[3]

City symphony films made during the 1920s-1930s were before the era of sound cinema, however images were also supported by orchestral accompaniments.

City symphonies, which continued well into the post-WWII era,^[4][5] are usually associated with the rise in art film as well as contemporaneous trends in art and photography movements like modernism.^[1]

Notable works

Below are some popular city symphony works, not all-encompassing.

• London Symphony (2017) - By Alex Barrett ^[6][7]
• Water and Power (1989) - By Pat O'Neill^[8]
• Koyaanisqatsi (1983) - By Godfrey Reggio^[9]
• Stations of the Elevated (1981)^[10]
• Manhattan (1979) - By Woody Allen^[6]
• News from Home (1977) - By Chantal Akerman^[11]
• Organism (1975) - By Hilary Harris^[9]
• 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her (1967) - one of a few fictional city symphony films; directed by Jean-Luc Godard^[6]
• Castro Street (1966) - By Bruce Baillie^[4]
• Go, Go, Go (1964) - Marie Menken^[12]
• Bridges Go Round (1958) - By Shirley Clarke^[13]
• Broadway by Light (1958) - By William Klein^[14]
• N.Y., N.Y. (1957) - By Francis Thompson^[4]
• Together (1956)^[6]
• Daybreak Express (1953) - By D.A. Pennebaker^[12][15]
• Abstract in Concrete (1952)^[16]
• In the Street (1948)^[4]
• The City (1939) - By Ralph Steiner and Willard Van Dyke^[17]
• The aforementioned A Bronx Morning (1931)^[17]
• A propos de Nice (1930) - Jean Vigo's take on Nice, France and the inequalities surrounding it.^[18]
• Skyscraper Symphony (1929) - By Robert Florey^[17]
• Rain (1929) - Joris Ivens's take on Amsterdam^[19]
• Man with a Movie Camera (1929) - A pioneering experimental film by Dziga Vertov, showcasing urban life in various Soviet cities through innovative cinematic techniques.
• Berlin: Symphony of a Great City (1927) - By Walter Ruttmann, a silent documentary capturing the rhythm and vitality of everyday life in 1920s Berlin.^[20]
• Manhatta (1922) - Directed by Paul Strand, a picturesque experimental film showcasing the vast infrastructure and ingenuity of one of New York's most industrial and advanced cities of the time.^[17]

See also

• Modernist film
• The Great Depression
• Minimalist film