(Dis)appear
“Are you watching closely?” The Prestige (2006)
Traversing time and space
Manipulating time and space is part of the magic of film. Pioneering filmmaker Georges Méliès was first and foremost a magician. If you watch his films you can see his elaborate stage tricks becoming more sophisticated as he explored the idea of editing. Christopher Nolan, renowned for manipulating time and space, diverges from the magic tricks of Méliès—except in "The Prestige," where the premise revolves around an actual magic trick. Instead, Nolan's films often unfold as one grand illusion that leaves you wondering about the physical structure of time and place.
When students first start making films and editing, they are drawn to all the “toys” on the platform, the transitions and the effects are tantalising, but the best magic trick of them all is the deceptively simple edit, using only a match cut, timing, and sound. It is the edit that makes you lean forward to try and see if you can figure out how it was done. A well-timed edit is a magical thing. And hard to perfect.
To inspire students about editing, I introduce them to a simple exercise called the (Dis)appear Challenge. The premise is to make someone or something suddenly appear or disappear on screen—perhaps both. It's a fun challenge, especially during summer breaks when they have more time to play.
“So, I made a thing.”
Watch this. It’s one minute long and quite perfect.
Time and Space (2017) Fergal Costello
Bringing this into the classroom
(Dis)appear Challenge Overview
In the (Dis)appear Challenge, students will explore the art of making a character or object disappear and reappear later in the same scene, as if by magic. This exercise is designed to enhance skills in editing and visual storytelling.
Note - This assignment can produce results ranging from the overtly “magical” to the comical to the sublime…
Task Description
Objective: Make a person or object disappear from the screen without using digital effects. The challenge is getting the timing right to make the disappearance work with the audience. If you want to and it serves the story, bring the character or object back to the screen.
Steps to Execute the Challenge
Watch Time and Space: Deconstruct how you think the edit was achieved. What do you notice about timing, movement, and sound in the film?
Brainstorming: Develop creative ideas on how to set up the disappearing act. Consider different environments or actions that might enhance the effect.
Location Scouting: Choose a location that complements the disappearance illusion. Look for places with as much natural and consistent lighting as possible.
Storyboard Creation: Visualize your sequence through detailed storyboards. Annotate each frame to outline camera angles, actor positions, and movement.
Shooting Order: Prepare a shot list in the order of filming. Remember, films aren’t always shot in sequence of the visual narrative. Annotate with notes on lighting, continuity, and camera settings.
Specifications
Film Length: Ensure the final film does not exceed 60 seconds, excluding titles and credits.
Sound: No sound is required for this project, but if you choose to use sound, pay attention to how it serves the edit in Time and Space.
Editing: Use available editing software to cut and assemble your shots. Steer away from transitions and effects. Use straight cuts and sound only.