From: Bruce Posner (email suppressed)
Date: Sun Mar 14 2004 - 17:46:16 PST
It is sad to hear of Bill's passing. Sadder to think that one of the
world's great researchers into cinematic arcanae will be no longer on the
trail seeking the whereabouts of this or that piece of film history. The
light that shown forth his eyes, smile, and person were further amplified
by a wonderous approach to the importance of abstract images in motion.
Although Bill, like a lot of us, was shy about his desires, he would share
inspiration without reserve. Knowledge and information flowed likewise.
The research that he accomplished on so many films and filmmakers is
astonishing. His historical exhumation of the making of the groundbreaking
abstract film "Le Ballet Mecanique" (1924) by Fernand Leger and Dudley
Murphy is pivotal for all future studies. Both Hy Hirsh and James Whitney
would most probably be all but forgotten. And what would have Elfriede
Fischinger done with Oscar's legacy in film and painting if not for Bill's
tenure at Wonderland Park? Even his dislikes were inspired. I remember how
he favored the abstract films of his beloved Fischinger over those of Mary
Ellen Bute. Finally after years of prodding, he begrudgingly claimed Bute's
"Tarentella" (1941) a true masterpiece. The point was that he revered Oscar
but could tolerate Mary Ellen seeing both film artists pioneered visual
music in film. Only someone with such fierce integrity and love could have
partnered with so many filmmakers, scholars, artists, archivists, students,
and others for decades of productive collaborations in order to unearth the
angels and demons associated with the Fine Art of Cinema. Goodby Bill. I
am sure you are tripping the light fantastic with Oscar, Elfriede, James,
John, Jules, Buddha, Krishna and God knows Who and What else in a
Gasparcolor film with no end.
-Bruce Posner
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