Watch Meditation on Violence

Meditation on Violence is a short black-and-white film from 1949 directed by pioneering American avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren. The film features Chao Li Chi, a Chinese-American martial artist and instructor, as both the subject and the performer, blending his expertise in martial arts with Deren's interest in movement and form. The film does not follow a narrative structure in the conventional sense. Rather, Meditation on Violence is a cinematic exploration of the graceful and rhythmic movements associated with the martial arts of Tai Chi and Kung Fu. At just under 12 minutes long, the film captures Chao Li Chi's performance in a series of choreographed sequences that emphasize the fluidity and precision of martial arts as a form of dance and spiritual practice.

Deren's work is known for its ability to transform ordinary motion into something extraordinary, and Meditation on Violence is no exception. The film's focus is on the harmony between the performer and his surroundings, accentuating the physicality and philosophy behind the martial arts. It does not attempt to showcase martial arts as a means of combat but rather depicts it as an art form with its own intrinsic beauty and discipline.

Chao Li Chi performs with an almost otherworldly grace, each movement executed with careful deliberation and control. His presence is commanding yet tranquil, an embodiment of the balance between power and peace that martial arts strive to achieve. The film showcases various stances, forms, and maneuvers that flow seamlessly from one to another, creating an almost hypnotic experience for the viewer.

The cinematography in Meditation on Violence is as integral to the film's impact as the performance itself. Deren uses various camera angles, distances, and movements to complement Chao Li Chi's actions. Close-ups accentuate the intensity and focus in Chi's expressions; wider shots capture the full breadth of his movements. The camera itself dances around the performer, creating a visual dialogue that enhances the overall ambiance.

One of the unique aspects of the film is its use of reversing the sequence of movements in the second half. What begins as a sequence of martial arts iterations transitions into a reversed sequence, effectively playing the film backward. This reversal challenges the viewer's perception of time and motion, offering an entirely new way to appreciate the fluidity and adaptability of the art form. The technique also underscores the meditative quality of martial arts, suggesting a flow of energy that is both timeless and cyclical.

The soundtrack of Meditation on Violence further intensifies the film's meditative atmosphere. Unlike traditional martial arts films that might highlight strikes or attacks with dramatic music or sound effects, Deren opts for a sparse and ambient score that allows the viewer to focus on the visual representation of motion and serenity within the martial arts. The music is reflective and non-intrusive, ensuring that the viewer's attention remains fixed on the performer and the subtleties of his craft.

Meditation on Violence can also be viewed through the lens of cultural hybridity. It was produced at a time when Eastern philosophies and practices were becoming increasingly interesting to Western audiences. The film presents an amalgamation of Chinese martial arts tradition presented through the eyes of an American avant-garde filmmaker. It's a cross-cultural encounter that neither exploits nor distorts, but rather respects and elevates the art it depicts.

Meditation on Violence has a historical importance as well. It stands as a testament to the evolving approach to martial arts in cinema. Rather than focusing on violence and combat, it promotes the perspective of martial arts as an art form that is rooted in spirituality and self-discipline. It predates the popularity of Asian martial arts cinema in the West by several decades and offers a highly stylized and intellectual approach to the subject matter.

Overall, the film serves not only as a piece of cinema but also as a piece of visual poetry. Chao Li Chi's genuine skill and Maya Deren's innovative filmmaking techniques come together to create a piece that is as much about the contemplation of motion and the human form in space as it is about the martial arts. It's a cerebral film that encourages the viewer to meditate on the relation between violence and ritual, motion and stillness, thus living up to its title.

Meditation on Violence is a 1948 documentary with a runtime of 12 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.