Spectatorship - Approaches to Experimental and Expanded Film/Video

When studying approaches to Spectatorship and Experimental and Expanded Film/Video it is essential to consider your own experiences of film viewing and what you expect from film viewing itself. Mainstream expectations always interfere with contrasting approaches to film construction and can lead to negative viewpoints. Experimental films, by their very nature, seek to subvert conventional expectations of film form and narrative. They tend to explore experiences and observations that can't be visualised by the more formal structures of  mainstream cinema. 

Whenever discussing experimental films an analysis must therefore include the content of the film itself (the techniques employed) and the expectations involved in the experience of viewing each work. The conditions of viewing must also be taken into consideration as every viewing can be defined as different and can have notably varying experiences due to its circumstances (a classroom environment being one). When you respond in a group you may adopt the views of 'others' which may influence your own personal response.

A good response will:

• Take into account the technical elements of cinema construction
• Be aware of the themes of the film (an ability to construct meaning)
• Acknowledge that the film will challenge the spectator
• Discuss the techniques that the film employs
• Respond on a personal level
• Discuss an understanding or a lack of understanding
• Understand that confusion or boredom/lack of interest may be a response 
• Be able to recognise experimental approaches and debate the use of film techniques opposed to pre-determined ideas of more formal mainstream cinema