The Russian author and theorist Viktor Shklovsky wrote this beautiful insight: art exists so that we may recover the sensation of life. How true his observation appears to be in light of this sequence of short films. Each one is about music or an expression of it. All of them are uniquely compelling and together they are rejuvenating. Do you recall the moment when you first walk on a beach next to a body of salt water after having not been there for a long time? The air is bracing and alive. Viewing these films results in a similar experience.
Paramusical Ensemble (Directed by Tim Grabham)
This short documentary is a fascinating look at the use of technology with ‘disabled’ people and how they can use it to spontaneously interact with musicians to compose live music. Music tends to easily cross conventional boundaries and it does so in both in the collaborative musical project and in the film.
Manta Ray (Director/Editor : Noé Sardet)
Beyonce, move over. This music video is much more original and authentic than many commercial, pop offerings -- so is the song which accompanies it. The music was created by J.Ralph & Antony Hegarty. The vocal part is not exactly what one might expect, but it is memorable, and very compelling. Despite the scientific subject matter, the video maintains the traits of a music video. It utilizes rapid-fire edits, rich visuals and many colors to produce an ‘infotaining’ effect which almost seems unbelievable or at least surreal. If you like Tom Waits you will probably appreciate this short film.
Sandghost Dance (Directed by Kirk Woolford)
This music video is sort of the opposite of the previous one in that there are no edits. It depicts human movement which is also sort of mythological as shapes shift into both expected and unexpected forms. It is a mesmerizing experience.
The Nose (Directed by Sean Vicary)
This short film and original song are a little bit Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz. The visuals are simultaneously realistic and other worldly. They flow slowly and steadily like a dream of acceptance. In one brief artistic experience we get a dose of weirdness to help us let go of our unrealistic and idealist expectations. It’s medicinal and concise.
About the author
Jake Richardson has enjoyed the outdoors and nature since he was 6-years-old in the woods of central Illinois and now lives in California not far from the John Muir house.
