That Bolex Thing
16mm
3m 15s
2024

The Bolex is a Swiss-made film camera that played a pivotal role in the development of independent and avant-garde filmmaking. Introduced in the 1920’s, the camera's lightweight and portable design made it an accessible choice for filmmakers who wanted to break away from the constraints of large studio productions. The affordable price point democratized the filmmaking process, enabling filmmakers to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of the art of cinema. The aesthetic look of the Bolex is equally relevant as unique and significant. The motion images produced by the Bolex display a textured and grainy image quality. The resulting visuals are synonymous with the immediate and visceral aesthetic of artist inspired filmmaking. 

In addition to its iconic status, the Bolex contains a recurring and noticeable quirk. In order to initiate the filming process, the hand-cranked camera relies on a complex harmony of mechanical design. As the gears get up to speed, the internal transport mechanism ramps and fluctuates. This technical operation produces a distinctive oscillation that is imprinted on the film plane. For the span of several seconds, the film captures an ethereal canvas of color and light. Through this process, the Bolex successfully envisions the crystallization (and decrystallization) of the motion image.

That Bolex Thing highlights this fleeting occurrence of visual abstraction. The source footage is composed of brief instances containing the filmic “thing”. Within this tapestry, the subject matter offers a contrast between new and former devices of image capture. Undoubtedly, modern camera technology provides unprecedented levels of efficiency and convenience. However, amidst the dependence on new technology, the Bolex maintains a timeless allure and magnetism. This glorious machine provides a genuine reminder that technological progress is underscored by nostalgic obsolescence. Ultimately, That Bolex Thing contextualizes the ongoing interplay between innovation and tradition.