This article introduces a computational model of the temporal experience of moving image sequences. The heart of the model, the concept of an entropic envelope, is based on information theoretic ideas. The concept is first described informally and then explained in a more mathematically precise manner. The article finally concludes with tentative reflections on the methodology of computation model building in cinema studies.

This content is only available as a PDF.
©2017 ISAST
2017
ISAST

Supplementary data

Entropic Envelope: Rope

This clip displays the entropic envelope of the opening of the film Rope (Hitchcock, 1948). The envelope is extremely stable and shows the relatively low disequilibrium that any frame introduces relative to immediately preceding frames. (Video © 2016, Hector Rodriguez)

- mp4 file
Entropic Envelope: Alphaville

This clip visualizes the entropic envelope for a section of Alphaville (Godard, 1965). The envelope expresses the changing visual rhythms of the movie. Godard, for instance, uses the intrusion of vertical elements as a punctuation device, and this triggers a strong response from the envelope. (Video © 2016, Hector Rodriguez)

- mp4 file
Entropic Envelope: Mothlight

The entropic envelope of the avantgarde film Mothlight (Brakhage, 1963) is very different from those of the other clips included here. It shows extreme visual shocks, moments of strong disequilibrium. This reflects the radical visual techniques employed by its director. (Video © 2016, Hector Rodriguez)

- mp4 file
You do not currently have access to this content.