In this day and age, a film made completely free of digital effects is a rare treat. Filmmaker and visual artist Max Hattler strove to deliver just that while collaborating with Japanese artist Jemapur for a music video; an abstract stop-motion musical film that drifts through time and space, loose of all traditional narration. This film was put together with a series of shots mainly using mirrors, color and shapes to create a world without relation to any real experience.
‘Hattler’s elegantly choreographed object animation tilts the camera so that the mirrored table surface seems to be the ceiling. In smooth stop-motion replacements, he explores the abstract logic of tubes, discs, cylinders and other shapes as they grow, shrink, slide, and change to the ethereal murmur of ambient music.’
- Tony Reveaux Cine Source Magazine
‘Hattler proposes an unusual stop-motion animation, where objects of abstract shape and unknown function move in a space that bears no relationship to any kind of real experience. The various elements move within this three dimensional space, like parts of a dynamic painting that condenses a whole series of references to contemporary art: from the constructivism of Moholy-Nagy, to the historic abstracts of Mondrian and Klee, and on to the more recent experience of conceptual and kinetic art. Changing shapes, plays of colour and transforming surfaces compose a dynamic universe that is both alienating and fascinating at the same time.’
Hattler utilizes reflections of moving clouds and solid color panels to remove any relation to time. The film takes its audience on a journey where Hattler discovers ‘the space between abstraction and figuration in moving image, where storytelling is freed from the constraints of a traditional narrative.’ Jemapur’s eloquent mix of bloops and beeps create a melodic and soothing ambiance that runs perfectly in concert with the visual brought to us by Max Hattler.
Throughout this video’s years touring film festivals across the world, it has been noted for its creative approach and execution. The video won several awards in Germany, Sweden, Austria and Russia. Check out AANAATT’s page here.