Through the camera’s eye – The bridge as a backdrop

People, trolleys, carts, a dog, and horse manure on the Rhine Bridge: It may not sound spectacular, but Basel’s first film was shot on an autumn day in 1896, in bad weather. For around 50 seconds, it shows passers-by crossing the old Rhine Bridge. As is typical of films from cinema’s early days, the camera is stationary and the framing remains the same throughout. Dozens of extras were recruited to make the artistic vision a reality. They all took part in a ‘demonstrative stroll’ across the bridge – a masterful combination of staging and improvisation. The director, François-Henri Lavanchy-Clarke, also appears in person, and can be seen watching the shoot from a horse-drawn cab.

Bildquelle: point de vue / Cinémathèque suisse

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