Closeups of working machines are intercut with a ballet dancer's movements, each of which corresponds to the movement of the machines. Before long it seems like the machines are dancing while the ballet dancer's movements seem more mechanical. But then the dancer's footage is intercut with corresponding shots in nature and her movements suddenly seem more graceful until in the end all three elements come together and the machines seem like blossoming flowers.
Personally I'd recommend watching 'Thèmes et variations' without musical accompaniment, without any soundtrack the rhythm of the cuts really does seem to create its own music of visuals, which from what I've read was one of Germaine Dulac's main cinematic ambitions.
Personally I'd recommend watching 'Thèmes et variations' without musical accompaniment, without any soundtrack the rhythm of the cuts really does seem to create its own music of visuals, which from what I've read was one of Germaine Dulac's main cinematic ambitions.