We ran a short piece on Nicolas Provost’s new work, Stardust, a few days ago. Since then he’s kindly been in touch and provided us with an exclusive excerpt of another of his films, (my personal favourite) Gravity. Here are a few well-chosen words on the film from its creator:
‘The cinematic kiss is probably one of the most archetypal images to be found in film history. It is usually a reassuring and sometimes climactic element in a movie’s storyline. Not in Nicolas Provost’s Gravity though: with stroboscopic effects, more than a dozen movie scenes, most from stereotypical 1950s romantic dramas, are edited together and superimposed. Narrative is subverted as the kissing is isolated from its context entirely; the action slows down and flickers back and forth. Every now and then shots from different films overlap and match; protagonists merge and diverge again a few seconds later. The sugary and dramatic soundtrack of romantic film music contrasts with the deconstructed images; together, they form a dazzling 6-minute vertigo where love becomes a passionate battle.’
And here’s the film itself for your viewing pleasure:
Please do check out the exhibition of his works which are currently showing at the Haunch of Venison Gallery, Mayfair. To see them blown up in HD really is something else. Or, if you’re not London based, have a browse through the complete catalogue on his own website. Really can’t recommend him highly enough.