User Reviews

This 10-minute short is a single medium-long shot of water dripping into a pail. Its intent is to put the viewer into a meditative state via the single image and the perpetual rhythm of water landing inside. However, that is slightly botched by the sound of the Bolex running and kids chattering in the background. It's like trying to meditate while someone in the same room keeps changing radio stations; very frustrating. This piece almost becomes Warholian anti-art.As with most Michael Snow films (this work belongs more with the oeuvre of Snow, than that of his co-director and former wife, Joyce Wieland), we get the point long before the film ends, and the remainder of the running time becomes a bore.

Unlike what the other reviewer has already stated, I believe "Dripping Water" achieved its point rather effectively. The single action of this ten-minute film is done to accomplish two things: to force the viewer to pay attention to the little details occurring within the only shot that comprises it, and to simultaneously quiet its audience to enjoy the delicate sound of the water dripping into the plate. I found that speaking whilst viewing this film practically ruined the point of watching it: it is hard to really appreciate what the filmmakers were going for when one refuses to calm themselves and submit to the pleasure of focusing on this everyday detail many of us ignore.

"Dripping Water" was the only collaborative effort between Michael Snow and Joyce Wieland, a surprising thing considering they were married a total of twenty years. As a film itself, it isn't much: just a brief study in detail and shading. Yet, there is some interest to be had from this single closeup shot of water dripping onto a plate in a sink. The black and white shot allows us to appreciate the ripples and reflections of the water, an artistic detail many would usually miss. The composition of the picture is especially noticeable, as the camera no doubt intentionally frames its subject off-center - possibly because of technical reasons or maybe deliberately done to make the shot visually unusual. In either case, it's an interesting experience to be had - although it is a bit sad the actual video is not as high quality as the still frame, limiting the beauty of the action and the visual interest.