Muybridge's Strings is a dramatic film that was released in 2011. Directed by Koji Fukada, the movie is set in modern-day Japan and centers around a string quartet that is preparing for a performance. The title of the film is a reference to Eadweard Muybridge, a renowned British photographer who is known for his work in motion photography.
The main character of the movie, Setsuko (played by Makiko Watanabe), is a member of the string quartet that is featured in the film. She is a talented musician who has been playing the viola for many years. However, she is also going through a difficult time in her personal life. Her husband has left her, and she is struggling with her emotions.
As the quartet prepares for their performance, they are dealing with their own personal issues. The first violinist, Satoshi (played by Toshiki Ayata), is dealing with a physical injury that is affecting his playing. The second violinist, Ai (played by Rena Tanaka), is dealing with a difficult breakup. And the cellist, Yoji (played by Naoki Kawano), is dealing with his own personal demons.
Throughout the film, the quartet rehearses together and tries to work through their personal issues. They also interact with their manager, who is trying to prepare them for the upcoming performance. As the quartet spends more time together, they begin to open up and share their emotions with each other. This leads to some powerful scenes in the film, as the characters reveal their innermost feelings.
One of the unique aspects of Muybridge's Strings is the way it uses music as a way to express the characters' emotions. The quartet plays several pieces throughout the film, and each piece seems to reflect the characters' moods and feelings. In one scene, for example, the quartet plays a piece that is filled with tension and anxiety, mirroring the characters' own emotional state.
Another theme that runs throughout the film is the idea of time. The film takes place over a period of several days, and as the quartet prepares for their performance, they are acutely aware of the passage of time. This is reflected in the film's pacing, which is deliberately slow and deliberate. The camera lingers on shots of the quartet rehearsing, and there are long stretches of silence where the characters are lost in their thoughts.
Overall, Muybridge's Strings is a thoughtful and affecting film that explores themes of music, time, and the human condition. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the performances are all excellent. The film's deliberate pacing may put off some viewers, but for those who are patient, it offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Muybridge's Strings is a 2011 animated movie with a runtime of 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.
