An allegory of mankind heading for disaster, this animated short is a tragic vision inspired by the 4th movement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Drawing on the composer’s brilliant ability to evoke work and labour in his music, animator Patrick Bouchard brings earth to life through animated clay sculptures, creating a tactile nightmare in which man is his own slave driver.
Ages 12 to 14
Arts Education - Visual Arts
Social Studies - Contemporary Issues
This film can serve to raise awareness about contemporary social problems. Ask students for their reactions to the images in the film. What emotions do these images elicit? Help students formulate a social interpretation of this allegorical film, and discuss what the filmmaker's message is.