'Mybridge's Threads' review: A moving story and beautiful images

"Muybridge's Threads": A visual poem intertwining time and eternity

Overview

"Muybridge's Threads" is a short animated film released on September 17, 2011. It was directed, written, edited, designed and animated by the Japanese animation genius Koji Yamamura. The original story was also written by Koji Yamamura, and the film was produced by the NFB (National Film Board of Canada), NHK and Polygon Pictures. In its short 12 minutes, this film depicts time, eternity and human desire.

Story and Themes

Muybridge's Threads is a work that contemplates "time" by interweaving the life of photographer Eadweard Muybridge, who succeeded in capturing the continuous movement of a galloping horse in 1878, with the story of a mother and daughter. Moving between California and Tokyo, the 19th and 21st centuries, it focuses on Muybridge's turbulent life while weaving the surreal daydream of his mother. It is a personal counterpoint that explores the insatiable human desire to capture the fleeting moments of life and freeze moments of happiness.

Visuals and Music

Koji Yamamura's refined artistry is on full display in this work. The images explore the possibilities of stopping and reversing time, fusing visual beauty with profound themes. The film is also enriched by the sound world of Norman Rodger, a master of sound design who is one of the leading figures in the Canadian animation world. The original music, based on JS Bach's "Canon of the Crab," allows viewers to experience "the moment" and "eternity" over a crystal clear tone.

Main Staff

• Director, scriptwriter, editor, designer, animation: Koji Yamamura
• Original music and sound design: Norman Roger, Pierre-Yves Drapeau, Denis Chartrand, JS Bach "Canon of the Crab"
• Arranged by: Norman Roger
• Executive Producers: David Verroll, Kenji Saito, Shuzo Shiota
• Producers: Michael Fukushima, Keisuke Dobashi, Shuzo Shiota
• Produced by: NFB, NHK, Polygon Pictures

Who is Eadweard Muybridge?

Eadweard Muybridge was a 19th century British photographer whose technique of continuous photography had a major influence on the invention of film. He is known for his continuous photography of a horse galloping. His life and achievements are the main themes of "Muybridge's Thread."

The artistry of Koji Yamamura

Koji Yamamura is known in the world of Japanese animation as an artist with a unique style. His works are highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad for their visual beauty and profound thematic content. "Mybridge's Threads" is another work that epitomizes his artistry, skillfully depicting the themes of time and eternity.

Sound design by Norman Roger

Norman Roger is a leading Canadian sound designer in the world of animation, whose work has the power to engage the audience both visually and aurally. In "Mybridge's Threads," music based on JS Bach's "Canon of the Crab" is used to deepen the theme of the work.

Recognition and awards

"Muybridge's Threads" has been highly praised at many film festivals both in Japan and abroad. In particular, the artistic quality and thematic value of its animation have been highly praised, and it has received numerous awards. Below are some of the major awards it has received:

• 61st Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear for Short Films
• 15th Japan Media Arts Festival: Excellence Award in the Animation Division
• 35th Annecy International Animated Film Festival: Grand Prix in the Short Film Category

Viewing points

Here are some things to keep in mind when watching "Muybridge's Threads":

• The theme of time and eternity: The relationship between time and eternity is explored throughout the film, particularly in the scenes where Muybridge's photographic sequences intertwine with the story of a mother and daughter.
• Visual beauty: Koji Yamamura's unique style and sense of color visually express the theme of the work. Please enjoy the beauty of the images.
• Music and Sound Design: Norman Rodger's sound design deepens the themes of the work. Listen for the music based on JS Bach's "Canon of the Crab."

Recommended Works

After watching "Muybridge's Threads," we also recommend the following:

• "Atamayama": Another masterpiece by Koji Yamamura, it is characterized by its visual beauty and deep themes.
• Millennium Actress: An animated film directed by Satoshi Kon that explores the themes of time and memory.
• "5 Centimeters per Second": An animated film directed by Makoto Shinkai that explores the themes of time and distance.

summary

Muybridge's Threads is a short animated film that skillfully depicts the themes of time and eternity. Koji Yamamura's sophisticated artistry and Norman Roger's sound design combine to create a work that draws the audience in visually and aurally. In just 12 minutes, this work depicts a deep theme and is a must-see.