Abstract
The Third Layer: a study on how to create a personal non-narrative film language by means of symbols
The purpose of this study is to investigate how symbols can be used in a personal manner regarding experimental film since experimental film is often non-narrative. This was done by analyzing Dog Star Man’s “Prelude” and “Part 1”, an experimental series made by Stan Brakhage and Mary Jane Collom. The inherent meaning being important, the analysis could only be done after creating a context. Chapter one starts with defining the terms “meaning”, “ideology” and “symbolic” in order to create a frame for the research, more specifically what the “third layer” is about. In chapter two a closer look is taken at the content of the third layer. Starting with a biography of Brakhage and Collom to learn their interests and fascinations, a way to analyze symbolism (semiotics) is being studied afterwards. The chapter ends with a quick glance upon different symbols that relate to Brakhage and Collom and an explanation about cinematographic symbolism. Eventually all this information comes together in a film analysis to figure out how Brakhage and Collom used symbols in a personal manner throughout Dog Star Man.