Designed Beings

About This Movie

Designed Beings is one of those curious experimental animations that really captures a certain zeitgeist of the 70s. It’s a collage of random footage and unique animations, all stitched together around concepts that Hans Hollein was exploring at the time. You’ll see everything from Olympic torch lighting to various rituals, creating this almost dreamlike atmosphere. The pacing is deliberately sporadic, which might throw some viewers off, but for those who appreciate avant-garde cinema, it’s a fascinating watch. It reflects on the relationship between man and design, and the practical effects, while simple, have a raw charm that makes it feel very much of its era.

This film is quite a rarity, mainly because it was created specifically for the Smithsonian's Cooper Hewitt Museum. The original exhibition, 'Man transForms,' featured contributions from nine designers working alongside Hollein, which adds an interesting layer to its creation. Collectors often seek out this piece not just for its content but for its historical context. Availability can be scarce, and finding a well-preserved copy is getting increasingly difficult, making it a noteworthy entry in the realm of experimental animation.