"Matrix: First Dream" was a Hollis Frampton short intended to be used on apparently the first day of the Magellan cycle, as one of the "dream" films (specifically the first). In it, Frampton creates a new and unique abstraction deriving its footage from three other earlier works: the "Solariumagelani" trilogy, consisting of "Winter Solstice", "Summer Solstice", and "Autumnal Equinox" (all from 1974). While it is quite obvious and undeniable this twenty-eight short has no real scenes shot for its own making, the film on the other hand does not directly use the imagery in its original form but creatively uses a couple different effects to make it a new work. Rather than seeming like documentary scenes (like the three original films were) this one becomes a truly abstract and unique work because of these effects, and remains one of the most visually effective pieces of cinema by the filmmaker.
The above is not to state either that the "Solariumagelani" trilogy was shot entirely for the making of this film; it is a well-known fact historically that each film in that trilogy was to be viewed on their titular respective days. Rather, "Matrix: First Dream" makes use of these films in a different way than they were originally shot. Each one--"Winter Solstice" with the blast furnace, "Summer Solstice" with the cows and "Autumnal Equinox" with the disemboweled animals--is color toned in pinks, blues and other shades. Then, different segments of all are superimposed over each-other in different ways to create a truly psychedelic experience, with both effects contributing to make it what it is. The overlong run-time of the movie was probably intentional so as to make it memorable, and as a whole the film is really one that must be seen and not described for those interested to get the full idea.
The above is not to state either that the "Solariumagelani" trilogy was shot entirely for the making of this film; it is a well-known fact historically that each film in that trilogy was to be viewed on their titular respective days. Rather, "Matrix: First Dream" makes use of these films in a different way than they were originally shot. Each one--"Winter Solstice" with the blast furnace, "Summer Solstice" with the cows and "Autumnal Equinox" with the disemboweled animals--is color toned in pinks, blues and other shades. Then, different segments of all are superimposed over each-other in different ways to create a truly psychedelic experience, with both effects contributing to make it what it is. The overlong run-time of the movie was probably intentional so as to make it memorable, and as a whole the film is really one that must be seen and not described for those interested to get the full idea.
