Dissecting the Experimental Genre in Film and TV

Have you ever been watching a show or movie that doesn't seem t conform to your expectations of what the medium should hold? Well, you may have been indulging in an experimental film or TV show. 

Experimental films and TV shows offer a refreshing break from the conventional narratives and styles that dominate the entertainment industry. These productions challenge viewers to think outside the box and provide a platform for artists to experiment with various storytelling techniques, editing styles, and visual effects.

In this article, we will dissect the experimental genre in film and TV, exploring its origins, characteristics, and notable examples.

We will also examine how experimental films and TV shows differ from traditional productions, and what makes them so fascinating to watch. Whether you are a film buff or just a casual viewer, join us as we delve into the intriguing world of experimental film and television.

Let's experiment together! 

'Meshes of the Afternoon'Credit: courtesy of Tavia Ito (the estate of Maya Deren)

Is Experimental a Genre? 

There is some debate on this topic, so it feels like we should broach it up top. I got an email from the amazing people at RE: Voir, who publish DVDs of experimental films and have some amazing articles on their site. 

They wrote me an email that said "Experimental film is not a genre. This is important. It is a category apart from narrative and documentary, even if some films intersect between these categories, such as Eraserhead which is definitely a narrative film that can be qualified as somewhat experimental. Other films are purely experimental such as Stan Brakhage's hand-painted films. I think the radical approach of experimental filmmakers and their break from the film industry should not be understated."

I had never considered this point of view, and it was a really interesting one. And I think valid, even if I don't agree with it. 

I don't want to understate anyone's artistic merit, but I am of the opinion that experimental films are a genre, just like I think documentary is a genre as well. Maybe I'm wrong. My only reason for believing this is the definition of genre, which is "Any form or type of communication in any mode with socially-agreed-upon conventions developed over time."

I think the conventions of experimental films exist. They are the unconventional approach to narrative and emotion. I think this abstraction is what groups them together, but again, I might be wrong! 

I feel like Experimental fits that category, but again, open to anyone else's ideas here, which is why I included this section. 

I think we can all agree, you should watch as many of these movies as you can to expand your point of view. 

Dissecting The Experimental Genre in Film and TV 

The experimental genre offers an exciting opportunity for filmmakers to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and create unique and thought-provoking content that captivates audiences. Now, we must define it. 

Experimental Genre Definition 

The experimental genre in film and TV refers to productions that deviate from the traditional narrative structure and style of mainstream entertainment. These productions often challenge viewers to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas and perspectives.

The experimental genre is characterized by its willingness to take risks and push boundaries, whether through abstract visuals, innovative storytelling techniques, or unconventional editing styles.

What Do Experimental Film and TV Projects Look Like? 

Experimental productions can range from avant-garde art films to surrealistic TV shows and are often created by independent filmmakers and artists who seek to explore new ways of communicating ideas and emotions.

While not always commercially successful, the experimental genre provides a valuable platform for artists to experiment with different forms of expression and offers viewers a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience.

'La Jetee'Credit: Argos Films

The History Of The Experimental Film and TV Genre 

The experimental film and TV genre has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century of artistic innovation and experimentation. The roots of the genre can be traced back to the early days of cinema when pioneering filmmakers like Georges Méliès and the Lumière brothers were experimenting with new visual techniques and storytelling methods.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the experimental film movement gained momentum with the emergence of surrealism and other avant-garde art movements. Filmmakers like Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dali, and Maya Deren pushed the boundaries of traditional narrative structures and created films that explored themes of identity, memory, and perception through unconventional imagery and editing techniques.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the experimental film movement continued to flourish with the emergence of new technologies like video and the development of independent cinema. Filmmakers like Stan Brakhage, Jonas Mekas, and Andy Warhol created works that challenged traditional notions of cinematic form and explored new ways of capturing and presenting reality.

In the world of TV, the experimental genre began to emerge in the 1990s with shows like Twin Peaksand The X-Files that pushed the boundaries of traditional narrative structures and incorporated elements of surrealism and other experimental techniques.

Today, the experimental film and TV genre continues to thrive with the rise of independent filmmaking and the growing popularity of streaming platforms that provide a platform for artists to experiment with new styles and techniques.

The genre remains a vital and exciting part of the film and TV landscape, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and challenging viewers to think outside the box.

'Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me'Credit: New Line Cinema

Why Do Experimental Films and TV Shows Matter? 

Experimental films and TV shows matter for a variety of reasons.

First, they provide a platform for artists to experiment with new and unconventional storytelling techniques, visual styles, and editing techniques. This can lead to the creation of groundbreaking and thought-provoking works that challenge viewers to think outside the box.

Second, experimental productions often explore complex and challenging ideas and themes that are not typically addressed in mainstream entertainment. This can lead to important conversations about society, culture, and the human experience, and can inspire viewers to reflect on their own lives and perspectives.

Third, the experimental genre in film and TV plays a vital role in pushing boundaries and evolving the art form of visual storytelling. By challenging traditional narrative structures and styles, experimental productions can inspire new forms of storytelling and pave the way for future innovations in film and TV.

Finally, experimental films and TV shows offer a refreshing break from the often formulaic and predictable narratives of mainstream entertainment. By embracing risk and uncertainty, these productions can create a sense of excitement and unpredictability that keeps viewers engaged and entertained.

'Méliès, Un homme de têtes (Star Film 167 1898)'Credit: Wikipedia Commons

Examples of Experimental Films 

One of my favorite courses of study, when I was in film school, was experimental films. I loved when my professors dragged out the projector to show us things or the untold wonders and surprises of something from Don Hertzfeldt or Chantal Akerman.  

There are countless examples of experimental films that have pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling and challenged traditional narrative structures. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Un Chien Andalou (1929) - Directed by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dali, this surrealist short film is famous for its bizarre and disturbing imagery and nonlinear narrative structure.

2. Meshes of the Afternoon (1943) - Directed by Maya Deren, this avant-garde film uses dreamlike visuals and repeated imagery to explore themes of identity, memory, and perception.

3. Koyaanisqatsi (1982) - Directed by Godfrey Reggio, this experimental documentary film combines stunning visuals of natural and urban landscapes with a haunting score by composer Philip Glass.

4. Eraserhead (1977) - Directed by David Lynch, this surrealistic horror film tells the story of a man named Henry Spencer who becomes increasingly isolated and alienated from his surroundings.

5. La Jetée(1962) - Directed by Chris Marker, this experimental science fiction film tells the story of a man sent back in time to prevent a catastrophic event from occurring.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of experimental films that have been created over the years. Each of these films challenges traditional storytelling techniques and provides a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience.

They are the tip of the iceberg, and I encourage you to journey deeper into what experimental films have to offer. 

'Un Chien Andalou'Credit: Les Grands Films Classiques

Examples of Experimental TV Shows 

Experimental TV shows have become more common in recent years, with streaming platforms providing a platform for independent filmmakers and artists to push boundaries and experiment with different styles and formats. Here are a few notable examples of experimental TV shows:

1. Twin Peaks(1990-1991) - Created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, this surrealistic drama series follows an FBI agent investigating the murder of a young woman in a small town. The show's dreamlike visuals, nonlinear narrative structure, and bizarre characters make it a classic example of experimental TV.

2. Black Mirror (2011-2019) - Created by Charlie Brooker, this science fiction anthology series explores the dark side of technology and its impact on society. Each episode is a self-contained story that often subverts expectations and challenges viewers to think about the consequences of our relationship with technology.

3. Legion (2017-2019) - Created by Noah Hawley, this superhero drama series follows a young man with mutant powers who struggles to distinguish between reality and his delusions. The show's surreal visuals, nonlinear narrative structure, and unconventional use of sound and music make it a unique and challenging viewing experience.

4. Atlanta (2016-present) - Created by and starring Donald Glover, this comedy-drama series follows a young rapper trying to make it in the Atlanta music scene. The show's use of surrealistic and absurdist humor, combined with its exploration of race and identity, make it a standout example of experimental TV.

5. Undone (2019-present) - Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg and Kate Purdy, this animated series uses rotoscope animation to tell the story of a young woman who gains the ability to travel through time after a near-death experience. The show's unique visual style, nonlinear narrative structure, and exploration of mental illness and trauma make it a fascinating and thought-provoking viewing experience.

Each of these shows challenges traditional narrative structures and provides a unique and innovative viewing experience.

'Atlanta'Credit: 20th Television

The Difference Between Experimental Films and Art Films 

Experimental films and art films are both forms of cinema that often challenge traditional storytelling techniques and explore complex themes and ideas. However, there are some key differences between the two genres.

Experimental films are often characterized by a focus on form over narrative, with filmmakers using unconventional techniques and structures to explore new ways of presenting reality. These films often feature abstract imagery, non-linear narratives, and avant-garde techniques such as collage, found footage, and direct manipulation of film stock. The emphasis is often on creating a sensory experience for the viewer rather than telling a traditional story. Experimental films may also be shorter in length and have a smaller budget than mainstream films.

Art films, on the other hand, are often more narrative-driven and character-focused, but they still push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. These films often explore complex themes and ideas and challenge viewers to think critically about the world around them. They may use unconventional techniques such as non-linear storytelling, symbolic imagery, or an emphasis on mood and atmosphere over the plot. Art films may have a longer runtime and may have larger budgets than experimental films.

Another key difference between the two genres is their intended audience. Experimental films are often aimed at a more niche audience, such as film students or cinephiles, while art films may have a broader appeal and may be marketed to a wider audience.

In summary, while both experimental films and art films share a focus on innovation and challenging traditional storytelling techniques, experimental films place a greater emphasis on form and creating a sensory experience for the viewer, while art films are more narrative-driven and character-focused, with a broader appeal to audiences.

Summing Up The Experimental Genre in Film and TV