Anti-Objects, or Space Without Path or Boundary
Anti-Objects, or Space Without Path or Boundary

Movie spotlight

Anti-Objects, or Space Without Path or Boundary

2017
Movie
13 min
English

The title of this video, taken from the texts of the architect Kengo Kuma, suggests a way of looking at everything as “interconnected and intertwined” - such as the historical and the present and the tool and the artifact. Images and representations of two structures in the Portland Metropolitan Area that have direct and complicated connections to the Chinookan people who inhabit(ed) the land are woven with audio tapes of one of the last speakers of chinuk wawa, the Chinookan creole. These localities of matter resist their reduction into objects, and call anew for space and time given to wandering as a deliberate act, and the empowerment of shared utility.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Ben RiversGenres: Documentary, Experimental

Plot Summary

This experimental documentary follows the journey of a Soviet cosmonaut, 'Sretensky', who embarks on a solo mission to repair a damaged space station. As he drifts further into the void, his solitude and the vast emptiness of space begin to affect his perception of reality and his connection to Earth. The film blends fictional narrative with documentary elements to explore themes of isolation, the human psyche, and the awe-inspiring, terrifying nature of the cosmos.

Critical Reception

Ben Rivers' 'Anti-Objects' garnered critical acclaim for its unique blend of science fiction and documentary, its mesmerizing visuals, and its profound exploration of isolation. Reviewers praised its ambitious scope and its ability to evoke a sense of both wonder and dread associated with space exploration. While its experimental nature might not appeal to all viewers, it was widely regarded as a significant work of contemporary cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of cosmic isolation.

  • An ambitious, albeit challenging, cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking.

  • Effectively captures the psychological toll of deep space solitude.

Google audience: Audience reviews are limited due to the film's niche and experimental nature. Those who engaged with it often found it visually compelling and intellectually stimulating, appreciating its unique take on space exploration and its philosophical undertones. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative abstract.

Fun Fact

The film was shot on location in China, utilizing real cosmonaut training facilities and equipment to enhance its authenticity.

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