TRADE TATTOO
Len Lye
Scen.: Len Lye; Mu.: The Lecuona Band; Sound editor: Jack Ellitt; Prod.: GPO Film Unit; 35mm. D.: 5’ a 24 f/s. Col.
info_outline
T. it.: Italian title. T. int.: International title. T. alt.: Alternative title. Sog.: Story. Scen.: Screenplay. F.: Cinematography. M.: Editing. Scgf.: Set Design. Mus.: Music. Int.: Cast. Prod.: Production Company. L.: Length. D.: Running Time. f/s: Frames per second. Bn.: Black e White. Col.: Color. Da: Print source
Film Notes
Further refining the “colour separation” techniques used in Rainbow Dance, Lye feeds into the printing process off-cuts from GPO Film Unit documentaries. There are glimpses of men loading cargo, welding, and sorting mail, all transformed by Lye’s camera and paintbrush into a magic kingdom of colour and rhythm. The film implores viewers to keep Britain working efficiently by posting items before two o’clock in the afternoon; good advice still.
Geoff Brown