Described by creator Reynold Reynolds as "a three-part cycle exploring the imperceptible conditions that frame life" The Secrets Trilogy -- comprising the experimental (and in places NSFW) films, Secret Life, Secret Machine & Six Easy Pieces -- is a film triplet created between 2008 and 2010. Combined the films, or video installations as they were originally presented, explore the fundamentals of how best to capture and manipulate time, motion and space which, when you boiled it down are the fundamentals behind the processes of all filmmaking:
The Secrets Trilogy was shot on 16mm by cinematographer Carlos Vasquez who with Reynolds developed the films' motion control systems using printer motors to give the live action pieces their stop motion style. It's clear to see why the completed works are classed as experimental, but less evident is the exploratory approach that suffuses Reynolds' entire creative process and results in a working method that is in itself an ongoing experiment from conception to completion:
I take a scientific approach towards film making. I like to do tests and try things to see what works, rather than work like the stereotypical artist who has a vision in his mind and only tries to pursue this one vision. I tend to try things, see what I like and change my ideas as I go.
As is typical of experimental film whilst the striking visuals and on screen mechanics of the pieces are clear to see, the intended interpretations and initiating concepts are possibly less easy to unpack without a guide. So where better to hear an explanation than from the artist's mouth:
In his discussion with ART Interview magazine Reynolds discusses the precarious nature of life as a working artist building a career reliant on the whims of audience taste and how each project is a leap of financial faith for him. Here's hoping he continues to find an audience of true believers.
How do your working methods influence your films? Have you discovered new approaches on set which have fundamentally changed a project?
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14 Comments
It is really refreshing and inspirational to see someone just let go, expressing themselves in their own unique way. Not worried about convention, the norms, or anything really... art and the imagination, pure creativity, a mind pouring out. Nice post MB.
August 8, 2012 at 9:12PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Thanks for these they are fascinating. Just wondering who the cinematographer was as the credits say carloz Vasquez and in your post you state Imogen Heath? Thanks
August 9, 2012 at 3:47AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Well spotted Connor my mistake! Carlos Vasquez is the cinematographer across all three pieces and the one who developed the idea of using step motors for the stop motion rig. I've fixed the post, cheers.
August 9, 2012 at 7:36AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Well crafted and executed from start to finish. Truly museum collection quality.
August 9, 2012 at 8:43AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
could you add "NSFW" to the title of this post? Quite a bit of unexpectedly nudity in those stillframes!
August 9, 2012 at 1:11PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Agrees
August 9, 2012 at 1:14PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Done!
August 9, 2012 at 1:19PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
This reminds me of Jim Henson's Time Piece: http://www.myspace.com/video/charlie/time-piece/42739744
I love the stop motion and the design of the whole thing
August 9, 2012 at 2:24PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Oh "Art"... one of the worlds oldest ways to get a woman nude and frolic about.
August 9, 2012 at 11:44PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
great work, something actually 'different' for a change on vimeo . . .
August 10, 2012 at 3:13AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Thank you for posting this Ryan. I'm so glad that the site operates in such an open-minded manner in respect to the featured content. I visit every single day, and learn something about the craft and/or myself on each visit. We are all much obliged.
August 11, 2012 at 10:35AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
Mar posted this, but glad you're finding it useful!
August 11, 2012 at 11:53AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
very inspiring. I've wanted to shoot a live action stop motion for sometime and find those pieces particularly interesting. Great to see something original.
August 11, 2012 at 8:07PM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM
I just kept fastforwarding til there were Boobs. I agree though, very inspiring.
December 20, 2012 at 11:07AM, Edited September 4, 7:54AM