Re: Query: ruckenfigur in cinema

From: Dominik Schrey [[email protected]]

Werner Herzog uses this device very frequently, especially in his
earlier films. I think in his audio commentary on Nosferatu he even
talks about it. In this particular film, there are also quite a few
shots that resemble paintings by C.D. Friedrich (the scene shot at the
Partnachklamm, for example).


> From: Bill Schaffer [[email protected]]
>
> The 'ruckenfigur' is a compositional device most strongly associated with the German Romantic/sublime painter, Caspar Friedrich.
>
> It consists of a figure in the foreground, back turned towards the viewer, who has been 'halted' by the sublime vista in the background.
>
> The most famous example is Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog.
>
> One genre in which it is used quite often is in representing stage performances. We look from just behind the performer as they are momentarily overwhelmed by the vast crowd awaiting their performance.
>
> However, I'm surprised how few examples I can think of from other genres.
>
> John Ford Westerns just occurred to me now. Especially The Searchers.
>
> I am working on a video artist who uses this device frequently.
>
> I would be really grateful for any hints on
>
> 1. famous or significant examples of  'ruckenfigur' compositions in cinema.
>
> 2. any essays or analyses of the use of this figure.
>
> thanks in advance
>