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Tuesday, Jul 25, 2000
Flora, Fauna, and Other Natural Wonders
Marey-Bull (Etienne-Jules Marey, Lucien Bull, France, 1889-1900). Marey's chronophotographic studies of locomotion paved the way for time-lapse cinematography; Bull later developed high-speed film that revolutionized perceptions of the visible world. (Silent, 15 mins)Colours on the Thames (John Taylor, U.K., 1935). A series of three-color outdoor studies testing a new type of camera for Gasparcolor, Ltd. (9 mins)Micromoth (Julie Murray, U.S., 2000, work-in-progress). Inspired by Painlevé, Micromoth is "a trawling of the spaces shaped by small dead things in a tiny chamber somewhere between the naked eye and the mansions of molecules."-JM (6 mins, 16mm)The Strength and Agility of Insects (Cinematography by Percy Smith, U.K., 1911). Insects are induced to hold or juggle objects much heavier than themselves. (4 mins, Silent)To Demonstrate How Spiders Fly (Cinematography by Percy Smith, U.K., c. 1909). An animated model is used to demonstrate how a spider travels by extending a thread. (4 mins, Silent)Hyas and Stenorhynchus (Hyas et stenorinques) (Jean Painlevé, France, 1929). A scientific film about two crustaceans and the spectacular fan worm. (13 mins, In French with English subtitles)Magic Myxies (Mary Field, Cinematography by Percy Smith, U.K., 1932). On the life cycle of the myxomycete, the slime fungus. (11 mins)The Love Life of the Octopus (Les Amours de la pieuvre) (Jean Painlevé, France, 1965). This scientific observation of an octopus's amorous adventures was filmed in an aquarium over a ten-year period. (13 mins, In French with English subtitles)Acera, or The Witches' Dance (Acera, ou Le Bal des sorcières) (Jean Painlevé, France, 1972). A science film depicting the hermaphroditic acera, with scenes of ritual mating and mollusk sex chains. (13 mins, In French with English subtitles)Zoo. Please see July 18.
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