At first glance, Hoop seems simplistic and limited, but this is not the case at all. The premiere of Hoop included more than just a woman dressed in black and a collection of white hula hoops. It takes simple concepts and expands them into an array of things. Hoop starts off slowly, but the intensity continues to grow through the film.
While watching the film the theme of weightlessness is frequently apparent.
If how this shot was done is broken down, you know that she is rolling across the floor; however, the idea that she is floating through space takes one away from such thoughts. More moments in the film remove you from your perception of gravity and space.
Throughout the film, you feel completely disoriented. The suspension of this woman, swirling of hoops, movements of things on and off screen, and the angle of the shots make you feel just as weightless and lost in space as she is.
The feeling of having a stable footing deteriorates as the film progresses. It does not make you feel nauseated; instead it allows you to escape into another world.
The piece has a nice development of progression. It starts off with a mixture of still levitating hoops and small controlled twirls and swirls. It transforms and eventually explodes into an overwhelming amount of motion in all aspects.
I was quite impressed with the Hoop premiere as it exceeded my expectations by far. It took my notions of space, motion, and perspective and utilized them in an entirely unexpected and enjoyable way. It was an exceptional short film, and I recommend everyone watch it if they have the opportunity.
I wanted to check this performance out but I couldn't make it. You did a good job of describing the video, too good a job. Now I really wish I went. I would've loved to see how they gave the viewer a sense of weightlessness. The still frames themselves display a wild sense of motion.
ReplyDeleteThey gave out a DVD at the end of the screening - perhaps we could arrange for a short class screening? This film would definitely be worth it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that having a short class screening would definitely be worthwhile. If not, I'm sure those of us (at least me) wouldn't mind letting others borrow the dvd.
ReplyDeleteAs a hoop dancer myself, I was so impressed and inspired by this movie. The weightlessness, as you mentioned, was so compelling, not to mention all the creative ways to use a hoop! I loved the shot straight down the center of several hoops to the hooper spinning in isolation with hands and feet the hoop at the very end.
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