Review of “Symphonie Diagonale” (1924)

Moving picture, 7 minutes

Review refers to versions with music by Henrik Frisk, Quartet Twentytwentyone and others, as well as a completetely silent version.

The most famous expression in animation of the 1920s view of cinema as a painterly medium. The visuals are obviously central, but I still recommend some comparatively eventful soundtrack. I find it impossible to recreate, in a modern context, the intended mode of reception.

References here: “Steamboat Willie” (1928), “Rain” (1929), “Big Man from the North” (1931), “Affordance” (2015/2016).

moving picture animation fiction