Article:

Bild im Rahmen, Rahmen im Bild. Überlegungen zu einer bildwissenschaftlichen Frage

The screen as framing is a boundary that forms and positions the image. Georg Simmel considered that the work of art closes itself by its framing against everything exterior. It is a fact, that the motion picture is framed by its edge and by the screen. It is also a fact, that this frame borders the picture. But it is questionable if the picture frame closes the motion picture, as Simmel formulated generally for art. A key characteristic of the film image is its movement and mobility. The dramatisation of space in time and the film soundtrack open an outlook beyond the image, even in resting images, for example in long takes. Also, the picture is not only framed, it also presents frameworks. Door and window frames, framed paintings and mirrors appear as a picture object and as a pic-torial motive. They limit parts of the image, but also extend the image by providing insight and outlook. Motives of this kind refer to something outside of the image and exceed its frame. Thus, the image has not only an edge, like Lorenz Engell says, it possesses and uses it. Various examples concretize initial thinkings about aspects of the image frame and the frame motive, to their function and their interaction.