When two warriors face one another they forget all that is around them and focus on nothing but the fight that is ahead of them. Focus and concentration are key to their survival. Quick reflexes and strong foresight keep them alive. As blades clash and strikes are struck the two warriors learn from one another. They are able to read each others habits, notice small differences in each others technique. Ultimately, the two warriors perform a lethal dance of respect and honor which leads to each warrior learning and respecting one another.
The film I wish to produce explores these concepts through multiple techniques which include camera manipulation, distortion of time and screen dance.
As two warriors fight, they move about each other locked in a respective dance of caution and skill. No other sport instills this belief more than the ancient martial art of Kendo. I would like to explore this concept of ‘dance’ by using Kendo practitioners as the main talent in my film. If we watch two Kendo practitioners, or ‘Kendoka’, spar, it is evident that there is a form of dance between the two rivals. This dance contains rhythmic movement which can create a sensual form of visual poetry. As blows are struck and swords clash explosions of fluid movement and deadly intent erupt from the two warriors. I believe I can use this genre of ‘dance’ to illustrate the themes of honor and respect through to the audience by using these movements as a medium of expression.
When the two warriors fight they ignore all that is around them and focus on nothing but the fight ahead of them. When they are within the maelstrom of battle, time slows down. Swords swing and movements spring within the blink of an eye. These moments feel like they last forever. I wish to use the manipulation of time within my film as a key element to illustrate these very moments. I will intend to use the slowing of time to emphasize the movement of each Kendoka through their battle. For example the slowing of strikes with their ‘Shinai’ to show the force in which they hit. I also wish to slow down their movements to illustrate the flowing of their uniforms and their use of incredible precision.
Finally I wish to explore the use of camera angles to illustrate what punishment the two Kendoka undertake and to explore the relationship between the two fighters throughout the film. I will be using a varying degree of experimental camera techniques that will successfully illustrate the fight between the two warriors.
Although this Film will use a multitude of differing camera techniques my main goal is to stay true to the spirit of Kendo. All the movements of the Kendoka's and the scenes they are in will all be filmed in an authentic sparring match. This will be challenging for me; but I am certain that these restrictions will produce scenes that no choreographed scene could capture.