film as an art

I feel as if this is some sort of philosophical question, because can anyone actually define art? We live in a time when a toilet seat was considered a form of art... so can everything be art? Are people art? What makes an artist? I never like to answer questions with questions though, so I'll try and define it as best as I can. Art for me is the expression. If something is trying to be expressed through the "self" or through admiration, I think it can be considered an art. For instance, my favorite painting (that I've yet to see anyway) is Sunflowers by Van Gogh. This is an art because Van Gogh expressed himself in the painting and and I express myself through loving the painting, because it has become part of who I am. Also, art evokes a sense of attachment, enjoyment and creativity. In all of these senses, film is quite obviously an art form. Film is a creative, enjoyable (excluding movies like Glitter) and definitely gives the audience a sense of attachment. Have you ever met someone who doesn't cry, laugh or even just give a little smile while watching a movie? I didn't think so.

While we watched the clips in class, the train film by the Lumiere's was very striking for the times. First, the train was moving forward, toward the audience. You see the edge of the station, a few people, but little else of the background. The train comes looming toward the screen, and even passes it by. As the train approaches the camera, the people approach as well, all looking at the camera perplexed. The way of dress and even the train as a mode of transportation sets the tone of the times, but it's the train who is the star of this short film. The people are not characters as they file in and out of the shot and it's easy to see that this documentary style filming is very much a realistic portrayal of that time period. Also, since it is one continuous shot, there is obviously no editing involved and the film truly captures the essence of the moment.