15 years of research, two years of equipment design and 3 years of production resulted in the creation of the visually gorgeous 76 minute documentary “Microcosmos.’ The film reveals an awesome world that is so dazzlingly breathtaking and colourful, that it is hard to imagine it is real. The film is delightfully edited and is packaged with humor, passion, conflict and drama; besides sharing the habits and habitats of these minute creatures.
SYNOPSIS:
It chronicles one symbolic day in a meadow in the French countryside around Aveyron. Close-up shots make the insects look like huge, bizarre extra-terrestrials, and single drops of water appear to be gigantic, gooey objects from outer space. Dancers could be inspired by the rhythmic cavorting; lovers moved by the extraordinary passion of the Burgundy snails; a drop of rain is a cannon blast; there are circus-like feats with gymnasts, and construction workers busy at work; bees buzzing in a field of red poppies waving in the wind and the overwhelming beauty of the butterfly.
The film employs time lapse cinematography, slow motion and shallow focus to create this world. It is organized episodically with a lot of mini narratives – a grasshopper gets killed and eaten by a spider, rainstorms plunges an anthill into chaos. etc The narration, by Kristin Scott-Thomas, is kept to a bare minimum, as directors Claude Nuridsany and Marie Perennou let the marvellous images do their work. The films is magical and must be experienced.
PS: Can be watched on Netflix Watch Instant but I would recommend renting the video if you are interested in the extras!
