MEDITATION ON VIOLENCE

(director/writer: Maya Deren; screenwriter: Chao Li Chi; cinematographer: Maya Deren; music: Teiji Ito; cast: Chao Li Chi(Himself); Runtime: 12; MPAA Rating: NR; Mystic Fire Video; 1949)

“This non-commercial film aesthetically examines the distinction between violence and beauty.“

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Maya Deren (“Meshes of the Afternoon”), in her first sound film, directs this experimental short that has the Chinese master of the martial arts, Chao Li Chi, fluidly perform the movements in Tai Chi. It’s danced indoors, in front of a bare white wall, with the performer dressed with a headscarf and appearing with a bare torso. He does the movements, and Teiji Ito accompanies the dancer on the flute. As the title states, this non-commercial film aesthetically examines the distinction between violence and beauty.This one is strictly for the avant-garde crowd.

REVIEWED ON 5/10/2011 GRADE: B