Richter on Film

A documentary by film historian Cecile Starr about artist Hans Richter’s film work. Hans Richter exits brick cottage into lush garden and approaches table set with tea. He sits and talks with Cecile Starr, who wears thick rimmed glasses, a blouse and skirt and has medium length, wavy, blonde/ light brown hair. Richter has short, slicked white hair and is older, possibly in his seventies, he wears a tan cardigan, pants, and a shirt. The two discuss his abstract films from the 1920s and he explains various things about his methods, ideas, and ways of working with painting and filmmaking. Hans Richter made some of the first abstract films using simple geometric shapes in black and white. This film includes excerpts from Rhythmus 21, Ghosts Before Breakfast, and Race Symphony. Richter talks about his techniques and ideas involved in each of these films. Cecile Starr asks questions about film, art, painting, and Richter’s theories on these subjects. The entire film takes place in Richter’s garden and painting studio.