Tricks

About This Movie

Tricks (2020) is a fascinating essay film by Marie Luise Lehner that weaves together archival footage from the Film Museum. It captures a circus atmosphere where tricks unfold in rapid succession - not just from acrobats, but also from animals that are now largely absent from modern circus acts due to ethical considerations. There's a certain melancholy to it, as the visuals play with nostalgia while also confronting the viewer with the reality of these past performances. The pacing is reflective, allowing you to absorb each moment while the dissonance between celebration and critique lingers in the air. It's a distinctive piece that prompts deeper thoughts about the circus as an art form and its evolution over time.

Tricks has a limited release and is somewhat harder to find, which adds to its allure for collectors. It exists largely in digital formats, with very few physical copies in circulation, making it a notable piece for those interested in modern documentary styles and archival cinema. As the themes of animal rights and the evolution of circus performance come to the forefront, its rarity and unique perspective contribute to growing collector interest.