Moment

Duration: 25

Year Published: 1972

Creator: BB Optics

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: sound

Description: A view of a gas station is seen from inside, behind a multi-paneled tire ad display. In a 2 1/2 minute sequence, a simple series of normal gas station events is seen intermittently through the opening display. This sequence is then divided and rearranged seven times in reverse order. Each time the divisions are greater in number (smaller in size) until finally the film appears to move smoothly backwards, divided by a single frame. The inspiration for the film as well as the title is derived from information theory. There, a 'moment' is defined as the shortest duration at which no distinction can be made between units of information. This work is a demonstration and exploration of the line between human information and machine information. It dynamically reveals film's basic unit, the frame--Bill Brand.