Trance and Dance in Bali (1951)
In the National Film Registry
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21m
Showcases culture in late 1930's Bali but criticized for omitting context and focusing on spectacle.
Trance and Dance in Bali, a 1951 documentary by Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, is a pioneering ethnographic film. It documents a traditional Balinese ritual dance while the filmmakers employ techniques that challenge the typical observational approach.
The film focuses on the trance-like state achieved by female dancers during the ritual. Mead's narration provides cultural context, but the editing choices take center stage. The focus shifts between close-ups of the dancers' movements and wider shots of the ceremony, creating a rhythmic and immersive experience. Slow motion is used to heighten the emotional intensity of the dance, blurring the line between documentation and artistic interpretation.
This unconventional style reflects the filmmakers' interest in the trance state itself. By employing techniques that alter perception, they attempt to capture the subjective experience of the dancers. This challenges the traditional documentary's goal of objective presentation, offering a more nuanced exploration of cultural practices.
Trance and Dance in Bali's legacy lies in its innovative approach. It paved the way for ethnographic films that move beyond simple documentation, using cinematic techniques to delve deeper into cultural meaning and subjective experiences.
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