Implications of Kire ( 切れ ) for Cinematic Direction
>what are the implications for art of kire, the Japanese word cut
The concept of kire, or "cut" in Japanese aesthetics, has significant implications for art by emphasizing the importance of interruption and continuity. In poetry, particularly Haiku, kireji, or cutting words, are used to separate and link images, creating a juxtaposition that highlights the transient nature of life. This is also seen in traditional arts like flower arrangement (ikebana) and Nõ drama, where the cut-continuation (kire-tsuzuki) structure is used to draw attention to the episodic and impermanent aspects of existence. In contemporary times, the structure of kire serves as an antidote to the uniformity and functionality of modern life, preserving plurality and difference in artistic expression. Kire is written 切れ in Japanese. In the context of Japanese aesthetics, kire has significant implications for art, particularly in the areas of poetry, drama, and visual arts. Kire is seen in the juxtaposition of two or more elements, which are used by the artist to compare and contrast between them. The concept of kire plays-off the importance of interruption and continuity, creating a sense of tension and release in the scene. On a profounder level, kire directs attention to the transient nature of life and impermanence of things, by means of which the artist captures fleeting moments of beauty. The use of kire in action therefore builds structure and composition in the work of art, creating a sense of dynamic power and energetic force. The Japanese concept of kire plays a significant role in Japanese aesthetics, creativity, and appreciation of art.
Examples of kire in Japanese Art:
• Haiku Poetry: Kireji (cutting words) are used in Haiku poetry to separate and link images, creating a sense of contrast by juxtaposition.
• Nõ Drama: The kire-tsuzuki (cut-continuation) structure is used in Nõ drama to create a sense of tension and release, drawing attention to the episodic and transient aspects of existence.
• Ikebana (Flower Arrangement): The concept of kire is used in ikebana to create a sense of balance and harmony, emphasizing the relationships between the different elements of the arrangement.
>is the concept of kire-tsuzuki “cut-continuation” in Nõ Drama related to Western cinematic direction by a director
The concept of kire-tsuzuki, originating in Japanese Nõ Drama, has been an influence on Western cinematic direction. Kire-tsuzuki refers to the art of cutting and segmenting, which emphasizes transitions and structure in storytelling. The subject of Japanese cinema directors, and Japanese cinema, is a study in itself. In the context of Western film theory, kire-tsuzuki has been used to describe alternative styles and aesthetics in relation to the cinematic experience. It challenges traditional Western notions of storytelling, which often focus on linear narrative structures with familiar intervals. By incorporating kire-tsuzuki into their work, Western filmmakers can create more nuanced and complex stories that emphasize the ephemeral nature of the cinematic image, another Japanese aesthetic known as Wabi-Sabi. Western filmmakers who have been influenced by the concept of kire-tsuzuki have incorporated it into their own style of cinematic direction. For example, the use of long takes and continuous shots can create a sense of continuity and flow, while also emphasizing the importance of transition and transformation. The assimilation of Japanese aesthetics, such as the use of natural imagery and simple composition, lends a distinctive visual style to Western films. The influence of kire-tsuzuki on Western cinematic direction is a significant one, offering innovative possibilities for storytelling and style. With this concept in mind, Western filmmakers can create films that are more nuanced, complex, and compelling, at the same time challenging traditional notions of narrative structure and cinematic storytelling.
>upon first encountering kire cut I was reminded of the well-known Hollywood studio director's order to cut
You're referring to the famous command "Cut!" that directors use to signal the end of a take or a scene. This command is a direct equivalent to the concept of kire in Japanese aesthetics, where the kire "cut" marks a separation or a transition between two "takes," or filming. In film production, the command "Cut!" serves as a clear boundary between the action being filmed and that which follows. It's a signal for the actors, camera operators, and other crew members to stop what they're doing and prepare for the next take. The similarity between the cinema director's "Cut!" and kire-tsuzuki in Nõ Drama is more than coincidence. In Nõ Drama, the kire-tsuzuki structure uses the "cut" to separate and differentiate elements, creating dramatic tension. Similarly, in film production, the command "Cut!" creates a clear punctuation in the sequence of events, allowing the director to control the pacing and flow of the narrative. This comparison highlights the universal principles of storytelling, where similar concepts and techniques can be applied across different cultures and art forms. The idea of a "cut" or a separation can create a sense of drama, tension, or contrast, whether in classical Japanese theater, or in modern film production.
>we may conclude that the directors art is knowing when and where to cut
The ability to know when and where to cut is indeed essential to the director's art. It requires a feeling for the story, the timing, and the emotional resonance of the scene. A good director must be able to sense the moment when the action, the dialogue, or emotion has reached its peak, and then make the decision to cut, allowing the audience to process and reflect on what they have just seen. In Japanese aesthetics, this concept is related to the idea of ma ( 間 ), which refers to the space or the pause between two elements. Ma is not just the absence of sound or action, but a presence that creates a sense of anticipation, expectation, or reflection. A good director must be able to create ma through the use of kire, or cuts, allowing the audience to fill in the gaps and become an active participant in the story telling process. The art of cutting is also closely tied to the concept of yügen, which refers to the profound and mysterious sense of the beauty of the world. A good director creates a sense of yūgen through the use of cuts, allowing the audience to experience through depth, ma, the intricacies of human emotion.
To summarize these new concepts:
• Kire ( 切れ ): The Japanese concept of "cut" or separation, which is used to create a sense of juxtaposition and contrast in various art forms.
• Ma ( 間 ): The Japanese concept of space or pause between two elements, which creates a sense of anticipation, expectation, or reflection.
• Yügen ( 幽玄 ): The Japanese concept of the profound and mysterious sense of the beauty of the world, which is often created through these of subtle and suggestive storytelling techniques.