Automobiles

About This Movie

So, 'Automobiles' is this curious little project from '76, tied to the opening of the Cooper Hewitt Museum. It’s not exactly a conventional film, more like a collage of animations and assorted footage. The vibe is experimental; you feel this sense of exploration, like you’re diving into the mind of Hans Hollein and the nine designers who collaborated on the exhibition. Each sequence feels almost disjointed yet strangely cohesive, with a pacing that invites you to ponder the connections between the Olympic torch lighting and other rituals shown. It’s distinctive for its practical effects and that offbeat, avant-garde aesthetic that was so prevalent in the '70s art scene. Not your typical viewing experience, but definitely intriguing if you're into that sort of artistic exploration.

Finding 'Automobiles' can be a bit tricky, as it hasn’t seen a ton of physical releases and is often buried in obscure archives. The film is treasured among collectors for its unique exploration of design and its historical context tied to the 'MAN TRANSFORMs' exhibition. Scarcity plays a big role here, with few copies floating around, making it a fascinating piece for those interested in art history and experimental cinema.