An experimental film exploring ways to bring the work of cartoonist Ray Lowry : (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Lowry) to life in moving pictures. The purpose of this machinima is not easy to understand without a little bit of background.

This machinima uses a citiscape recreated in the style of Lowry's early illustration work, and I used it as a device to travel between locations and hence settings in which to present two examples of his cartoon work. One of Lowry's themes was urban decay and decline, so I tried to bring this out with an oppressive, claustraphobic and alienating city soundscape, looping (repeating the entire sequence) once to emphasise the impression of hell that I believe he saw in our contemporary urban sprawl.

The loop was also suggested by the Art Gallery that is currently the custodians of his work as they felt the film might have a place running constantly (i.e. looped) in a forthcoming real world exhibition of the artist's works. Looping also amplifies the claustraphobia of it all of course.

Oh, and amongst other things, Lowry was a good friend of The Clash and he designed the iconic cover for "London Calling"; hence the choice of outro music heard briefly at the end.

All clear? Good!

 
Credits
Frankie Rockett