Film Lens
In 2005, Bill Morrison created a film using footage from 1899, originally captured by a photographer at American Mutoscope & Biograph. This footage features a trolley ride over the Brooklyn Bridge, edited into a continuous sequence titled Across the Brooklyn Bridge. Morrison's work recombines this historical footage into a new split-screen format, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic structure and its significance in New York City.
The film lasts 9 minutes and serves as a commission for the Museum of Modern Art, coinciding with the re-opening of their facility. By reinterpreting this early cinematic work, Morrison connects contemporary viewers with the 19th-century experience of traveling between Manhattan and Brooklyn, emphasizing the historical context of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Why Watch
- •See Bill Morrison's unique split-screen technique.
- •Find out about the 1899 trolley ride over Brooklyn Bridge.
- •Meet the historical context of New York City in the 19th century.
Did You Know
•The original footage was created in 1899 by a photographer at American Mutoscope & Biograph.
•The film is 9 minutes long.
•The footage was edited to form a continuous view from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
Perfect For
Brooklyn Bridge enthusiasts19th century history buffsExperimental film fans