Spheres
1969
7 min
Coming soon
This animated short by Norman McLaren and René Jodoin is a play on motion set against a background of multi-hued sky. Spheres of translucent pearl float weightlessly in the unlimited panorama of the sky, grouping, regrouping or colliding like the stylized burst of some atomic chain reaction. The dance is set to the musical cadences of Bach, played by pianist Glenn Gould.
Details
This animated short by Norman McLaren and René Jodoin is a play on motion set against a background of multi-hued sky. Spheres of translucent pearl float weightlessly in the unlimited panorama of the sky, grouping, regrouping or colliding like the stylized burst of some atomic chain reaction. The dance is set to the musical cadences of Bach, played by pianist Glenn Gould.
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directorNorman McLarenRené Jodoin
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producerNorman McLarenRené Jodoin
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animationNorman McLarenRené Jodoin
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musicGlenn Gould
Education
Ages 11 to 17
Arts Education - Visual Arts
History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present)
Media Education - Film Animation
Ask media and film students to discuss: the effect of classical music as inspiration and key element; the use of flowing spheres; the animation technique; and the effect of the butterfly. Before viewing, have music and art students listen only; after viewing, discuss how music might be visual, and draw or sculpt in response to music. Mathematics students can explore the presence of geometry and algebra in the visual images.
