Before Eisenstein

(Japan Society of Image Arts and Sciences 6th Annual Conference: Presentation)

Abstract

  Although Eisenstein's 'montage' has been treated almost exhaustively at home as well as abroad, these seems to be still open for further discussion a question how the artist's assimilation, with the insight of a genius, of Western and Russian arts conduced to the innovation of the film art at its early stage.

  The subject to be discussed here is on the process of his analysis and assimilation of literature, drama and fine arts which extends over the days of "The Battleship Potemkin" and those of "Ivan the Terrible". Two of his writings, " Montage of Cuttings" will be treated with particular attention to 'physical expression' in these arts, which seems to have had no little influence on Eisenstein in his invention of the visual devices so full of power.