Hans Richter

 

 

 

Despite having made a series of experimental films, some of which could be considered essays, Richter’s main contribution to the genre was the development of what is probably the first written theory about the subject. Before Richter any possible understanding of the subject would be a translation of texts (most commonly Montaigne’s) mainly directed to the written form of the essay towards the cinematic approach. In his writings Hans deals with dilemas intrinsic to the film approach: The problems of the documentary when relating to themes which cannot be portrayed by merely visual shots and perceptions. The Otolith Group and other contemporary essayists are hugely influenced not only by the suggested definitions of the genre but also by the possible roles in which it should be applied. Richter films - dreams money can buy being one of them - resonate the ideas of his writing and are also influential.