Trade Tattoo
Originally released in 1937. Trade Tattoo is a animation film. directed by Len Lye. At just 5 minutes, it's a tight, focused story.
Synopsis
Trade Tattoo went even further than Rainbow Dance in its manipulation of the Gasparcolor process. The original black and white footage consisted of outtakes from GPO Film Unit documentaries such as Night Mail. Lye transformed this footage in what has been described as the most intricate job of film printing and color grading ever attempted. Animated words and patterns combine with the live-action footage to create images as complex and multi-layered as a Cubist painting. Music was provided by the Cuban Lecuona Band. With its dynamic rhythms, the film seeks (in Lye’s words) to convey “a romanticism about the work of the everyday in all walks of life."
Quick Facts
Release Date
September 1, 1937
88 years ago
Runtime
0h 5m
5 minutes total
User Rating
5.9/10
Mixed (29 votes)
Language
English
Original language
Country
United Kingdom
Production
Director
Production Details
- Status
- Released
- Original Language
- EN
Production Companies
- GPO Film Unit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Trade Tattoo about?
Trade Tattoo went even further than Rainbow Dance in its manipulation of the Gasparcolor process. The original black and white footage consisted of outtakes from GPO Film Unit documentaries such as...
Who directed Trade Tattoo?
Trade Tattoo was directed by Len Lye.
How long is Trade Tattoo?
Trade Tattoo has a runtime of 0 hours and 5 minutes (5 minutes total).
When was Trade Tattoo released?
Trade Tattoo was released on September 1, 1937 in theaters.