Still Life

Synopsis: This film essay by Harun Farocki compares the still-life paintings of the Dutch masters with still-life photography of the present day, in particular commercial photography and advertisements. Using behind-the-scenes glimpses of modern advertising offices, where employees toil at the proper placement of objects for maximum sales effect, Farocki presents a vision of reality in which objects bear witness to their producers. In his commentary, Farocki, who earned money to finance the work by taking on commercial photo shoots, acknowledges the need for artistic compromise while de-mythologising the creative process. In doing so, he challenges conventional ways of seeing and our perceptions of what is art.
Language: English
Country: Germany
Year of release: 2010
Year of production: 1997
Notes: In German with English subtitles.
Subjects: Art
Keywords: advertising; documentary films; paintings; photography

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British Universities Film & Video Council