The Human Curiosity

Nekes' interesting, but long documentary "Film Before Film" showcased human beings' long fascination with optical illusions. Many of the featured optical toys are ingenious creations that I know I would never have been able to think of or create. The properties behind devices like the anamorphosis are so interesting. I wonder what is the exact relationship behind the drawing and the device placed in the center. While today's film technology has changed so much, many of the current devices are based on the same physical properties as the optical toys from 100 or 200 years ago. I also find the camera obscura fascinating because it is an actual phenomenon in nature and has the same basic principles as the photographic camera. In the end I think the documentary shows that humans will always have an interest in improving film technology and the depiction of movement. I think that accounts for today's development of animation and special effects in film.