TOURIST is an investigation into the nature of perception in an unfamiliar environment. Hammer manipulates the movement of the film on screen like that of Venetian curtains opening and closing. The director challenges the tourist’s perceptions by showing the repetitive walk of a bateau-mouche around the Île de la Cité in Paris. The real theme is the perpetual waiting for the experience. The metaphor is the quick glance; the editing intervention is relentless.
Information
Country
USAYear
1985Length
4'
Category
experimentalFormat
16mmDirector’s biography
Barbara Hammer was an American feminist film director, producer, writer, and cinematographer. She is known for being one of the pioneers of the lesbian film genre, and her career spanned over 50 years. Hammer is known for having created experimental films dealing with women’s issues such as gender roles, lesbian relationships, coping with aging, and family life. She resided in New York City and Kerhonkson, New York, and taught each summer at the European Graduate School.
