My prof showed us a short clip in film school as an extreme example of formalism. He couldn’t stand to watch very much of it, so he only showed about 30 seconds of this movie, and I’d like to share it with my own students.
It is probably from a feature film. It was in color, but a little aged. I would guess it was from the 80s. I don’t remember if the film was in English, but it looked European. It reminded me of an Eliabethan period costume drama, like Barry Lyndon, but more warm color tones.
The clip was very short, so I don’t have too much to go on. It was very formalistic, almost like a montage with a lot of dissolves from scene to scene, and then back again.
It took place in a palace. Everything was extremely ornate. I remember a king-like fellow walking around talking. There was one or two young boys swinging from very high swings over a gigantic indoor pool. I remember statues. I seem to remember, (or just suspect?) that one of the boys was urinating in the pool while swinging. The scene seemed to have a slightly homoerotic vibe to it.
That’s all I got! I know it’s not much, but I’m sure someone here can get it! Thanks in advance!