HANEKE SHORT -- LUMIERE AND COMPANY

Here is a selection from the omnibus film LUMIERE AND COMPANY (Multiple Directors, 1995) from Michael Haneke.  The film celebrates the centennial anniversary of the Lumiere Brothers' first film by asking 40 internationally renowned directors, such as David Lynch (BLUE VELVET, MULHOLLAND DR.), Spike Lee (CLOCKERS, INSIDE MAN), Zhang Yimou (HERO, RAISE THE RED LANTERN), and Michael Haneke (FUNNY GAMES, CACHE), to make a short film using the Lumieres' first camera.  Each film could not exceed 52 seconds, use synchronized sound, utilize more than three takes.  The process and result yields some interesting comments on the nature of cinema and the parallels between the Lumiere Brothers and contemporary filmmakers.  Haneke manages to touch on many of his own interests involving media, violence, and spectatorship in a much more condensed version.