Spider in the city: la machine in Liverpool
Wyver, J. 2008. Spider in the city: la machine in Liverpool.
Wyver, J. 2008. Spider in the city: la machine in Liverpool.
| Title | Spider in the city: la machine in Liverpool |
|---|---|
| Creators | Wyver, J. |
| Description | A 50-foot giant mechanical spider invades Liverpool for five days in September 2008. From rehearsals to the final apotheosis (half a million people, an orchestra on forklifts, the Mersey Tunnel and a lot of fire and water) this unique documentary is on the inside of this astonishing performance event by the French group La Machine. Working closely with event producers Artichoke, director John Wyver was granted exclusive filming access across 8 days -- and as well as capturing each stage of the amazing performances, we secured interviews with the project's designers and performers, all on glorious HD. Contributors include Artichoke's Nicky Webb and Helen Marriage, and the central figures behind the event in Liverpool, including Liverpool Culture Company board member Phil Redmond and Assistant Chief Constable Helen King, as well as the key three creatives – director François Delarozière, composer Dominique Malan and the special effects genius Thierry Loridant -- from La Machine. Crucially, too, this is a film about the new Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008, a city that has undergone an extraordinary period of regeneration but still an edgy, exciting urban world that is the essential backdrop to the events as they unfold. The documentary features extensive elements of the performances across Liverpool. These sequences are strongly visual, led by images and music, with audience reaction but only minimal interview elements. Around these central sequences the film provides context and explanation together with thoughts about the effects of an event like this, including how it can change the way people see and understand their city. There is no narration; all of the spoken elements are contributed by the participants. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 2008 |
| Media type | Video |