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The art cinema of the postwar period is notable for creating those "pure optical and sound situations" that level the distinctions between audience member, character, and director. All become viewers. Even so, the drama is the inability to see, turning towards something that bears up nothing. To gaze forward and believe one sees when there is nothing there would be to psychologically turn away from a difficult situation and indulge in a cliche or habit of mind concerning what's there. These films instead ask us to look directly and still not see, or wait for a vision.