...These Blazeing Starrs!

These Blazeing Starrs! is a riveting visual experiment directed by Deborah Stratman, a filmmaker renowned for her penchant for pushing the boundaries of cinema by exploring a range of subjects, from political bias to historical events. The film is a collision of two specters of the human psyche - the boundlessness of the cosmos and the unpredictability of imminent disaster.

Released in 2011, this 14-minute short combines elements of historical exposition, visual collage, and audial exploration to present a compelling narrative. It brings the audience face to face with the journey of comets, seen as both harbingers of doom and miracles of the cosmos across time and cultures. The film's treatment of these celestial bodies is enigmatic, keeping in line with their historical perception – awe-inspiring and yet, unsettling.

Stratman treats the comets as protagonists of this detail-rich short film, offering an intriguing perspective into not just their journey across the cosmos, but their impact – real and metaphorical – on human lives. These Blazeing Starrs! takes its audience on a distinctive journey into the night sky, just as they embark on a journey into the annals of human history and the universe's deeper mysteries.

A strong suit of the film is its fusion of visual and audial elements. The archival comet observations drawn from the collection of the Cine Institute at the University of Chicago are overlaid with historical engravings, NASA recordings, and computer animations. The overall effect is a captivating combination weaving a rich tapestry of imagery that engages viewers throughout its run time. Furthermore, the soundtrack consisting of the Requiem Mass and chants from the Benedictine Monks of the Abbey of Saint Maurice et Saint Maur, Clervaux further adds depth to the visual spectacle, providing an otherworldly, cerebral dimension to the viewing experience.

What sets These Blazeing Starrs! apart is the allegorical treatment of comets. The narrative does not merely portray them as astronomical phenomena hurtling across the cosmos but positions them as omens of change, whether it is positive or negative. Stratman cleverly uses comets to symbolize a range of societal feelings - ranging from fear and awe to faith and uncertainty.

Deborah Stratman's artistry shines through in this short film. The director is well known for her skilled use of film as a medium to probe into various societal phenomena. In this work too, she successfully employs film as a tool to understand how comets become carriers of societal feelings and fears in the face of the unknown.

The attention to detail is commendable, with meticulous research evident in the various archival footage and engravings used. She shows comets as they are viewed through different gazes — as seen by the scientist's telescope, as viewed by the artist's brush, and as sensed by the commoner's eyes. The film succeeds in highlighting the universal allure of these celestial beings, showing how they capture the imagination of different people in different ways.

These Blazeing Starrs! is less of a mainstream movie and more of an avant-garde artistic experiment that challenges the conventional boundaries of narrative and documentary cinema. It takes a closer look at how humanity grapples with cosmic mysteries and perceives emblems of celestial change.

In summary, this short film is a beguiling blend of celestial imagery and human history that invites its audience to explore the cosmic mysteries and reflect on humanity's place within the vast universe. It is an atmospheric piece that engages, excites, and sometimes unnerves, as it delves into the mysterious world of comets. Whether you are an art enthusiast, history buff, astronomy lover, or a fan of offbeat cinema, These Blazeing Starrs! is a treat that engages both the intellect and senses.