Riddles of the Sphinx

Riddles of the Sphinx is a 1977 British avant-garde film directed by Laura Mulvey and Peter Wollen, and starring Dinah Stabb, Merdelle Jordine, and Rhiannon Tise. The film is a unique blend of science, philosophy, feminism, and psychology, ultimately delivering a thought-provoking discourse that engages the audiences in intellectual reasoning, and leaves them in contemplation of the narrative's depth and scope.

The film defies traditional narrative style to embrace an unconventional structure. It opts for 13 360-degree pans, with each pan symbolizing a subsequent chapter of the unfolding narrative. This bold decision highlights the filmmakers' attempt to challenge established cinematic practices and norms, consequently infusing an unaccustomed filmic experience encased in perpetual motion.

The essence of Riddles of the Sphinx is epitomized in its exploration of the themes of womanhood and motherhood. Dinah Stabb, who depicts the character of a woman and a mother, is an embodiment of every woman experiencing the pulls and pressures of societal expectations, especially those related to their gender roles. The movie is truly groundbreaking in its approach, as it was one of the first movies to tackle feminist issues in a significant and thoughtful manner.

Another essential aspect of Riddles of the Sphinx is its discourse on psychoanalysis and its relation to the feminine aspect. The introduction of psychoanalysis is done through character narration and dialogue, thus offering the audience an introspective view of the characters' psychological dynamics while blurring the lines between reality and subconscious thought-processes.

Moreover, the film also investigates motherhood from a less frequently explored angle, that is, 'the mother and child relationship.' It delves into the depths of this bond from a symbolic, psychological, societal, and individual perspective. This investigation is effectively exhibited through Merdelle Jordine's portrayal of a child grappling with the maternal relationship's intricate dynamics. Simultaneously, Rhiannon Tise, the soothing, omnipresent voiceover, narrates the modern feminist fables and myth-like stories that intertwine throughout the film, further enhancing the narrative's distinct flavor.

The film also utilizes the Sphinx as a recurring motif symbolizing the enigma and the riddles it poses, paralleling the unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions related to feminism and womanhood. The Sphinx signifies the perplexity of women's lives and their struggle for a voice, identity, and equality in an ostensibly male-dominated world.

Additionally, Riddles of the Sphinx employs interviews and documentaries within the narrative. These stylistic elements provide the film with a dialectical treatment, more specifically, a combination of fiction and documentary. The integration of these media forms not only enhances the narrative experience but also illustrates the deep-rooted issues women face in a more profound, thought-provoking, eloquent, and realistic manner.

In terms of its visual characterization, the film engages its viewers with its bold use of image circulation, moving compositions, and visceral mises en scene. These attributes, along with its unconventional pan shots, are significant in creating a dreamlike and often surreal ambiance, thereby providing the narrative a reality that is as much symbolic as it is grounded.

The musical score, composed by Mike Ratledge of Soft Machine, also adds another layer to the deep and complex narrative. The uniquely composed experimental electronic music serves as a delightful aesthetic tool that complements the film’s visual and thematic complexity, enhancing the viewer’s overall cinematic experience.

Ultimately, Riddles of the Sphinx can be classified as an avant-garde cinema masterpiece that gave a new definition to feminist film theory. It pushed boundaries with its innovative storytelling technique and in-depth investigation of feminist identity, weaving a complex structure of psychoanalytic feminism, semiotics, signifying systems, and cinematography in a unique manner.

In conclusion, although Riddles of the Sphinx might seem a bit ambiguous to conventional film viewers, its spirit lies in its intellectual rigor and Interdisciplinarity. It's an artistic piece that challenges the viewer to question and explore the many faces of femininity and societal attitudes towards this gender. The movie, thus, stands as a significant piece of British cinema that remains as relevant and radical today as it was in 1977.