Experimental Film Introduction

 Experimental film is a broad term which is used to refer to any film that rejects the norms of film, including narrative, and experiment with the filmmaking process and use of film form, generally with the intent of pushing the boundaries of the medium. Experimental films often emerge from new research and technical resources or relate to other art forms such as dance, painting or literature, especially earlier works. An example of this is Len Lye's 1936 short film, Rainbow Dance. While this film may be underwhelming by modern audience's standards due to these techniques now being taken for granted; this film's overwhelming use of colour and integration with dance and music was completely revolutionary for it's time. 

Due to their lack of conventional narrative, experimental films do not achieve commercial success, meaning these are usually made with a very small budget by minimal crew, or in some cases just one person, and are not meant for widespread distribution. However, there are some exceptions to this, notably Disney's Fantasia, and many major Hollywood productions, especially those by auteur directors, utilise experimental techniques. For example, while most would not consider Pulp Fiction an experimental film, it's non-linear narrative is noted for being unconventional and tests the boundaries of mainstream cinema and general audiences.