Hunger

Steve McQueen's first endeavor into narrative film Hunger explores space and event in one of the most perfect ways I've ever witnessed. Every one of his pieces that I've viewed have greatly informed me on how to explore space in one of the most visually rich ways experienced. As an inspiration, Steve stands out as a visual/conceptual leader in the current art world and for me at least, following his work is now without question.

As we are introduced to the Maze, a main character isn't comfortably given to us, which

forces us to pay attention even further. This nondescript narrative lets the viewer use their eyes

and take in more information visually. McQueen is a master of visual composition and

description and uses his newly formed technique to craft the maze into the horrific place of

torture that it actually was. Starting out following a prison worker was an interesting choice,

because it sides with him for at least a short time. The transfer to the voice of Margret

Thatcher to supply crucial information on the story gives more plot substance to the viewer

through propaganda. The cut to the brutal life of a new inmate lets the viewer experience

everything as new, sharing it with the character.

The visual delicacy and patience that is exhibited in the camera work brings out the extreme sense of isolation at some points, while still allowing for "drama" to exhibit its self when needed. The long shot with the clergyman and the inmate exemplifies this in how attached the viewer stays to the plot, even without typical camera movement. Shots like the one of the worker sweeping the urine also give space for the viewer to contemplate, which most movies don't allow for.

The sudden shifts between silence and somewhat tranquility and terrifying violence are also incredibly effective and are used frequently throughout the film. The humiliation of the prisoners also aids the viewer to side with them without receiving any information about them personally. The same happens with the warden as we are introduced to him through his outside life, and then see his assassination in front of his elderly mother. The way that McQueen treated his characters allows the viewers to see them as people and not narrative figure points.

Many of McQueen's pieces explore space in the same way that Hunger does. This style fights against the norm, making the viewer be patient and take in all of the information within the piece. Many artists seem to be focusing on combating the quick and careless eye of the contemporary viewer. Even a few of my pieces deal with the subject. It is clearly a response to what social networks and media have done to our culture and how we now deal with information. The future of art will most definitely be shaped by this subject, and McQueen will be known as an originator of a basis the comment on it.