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The Reading Machine (1977)

Directed by Shūji Terayama

21 min13 frames

In this Borgesian satire on knowledge and technology, bibliophilic desire leads to the construction of a pedal-powered reading machine. Resembling a combination of gymnastic contraption, printing press and early cinematic apparatus, the machine’s purpose remains ambiguous. And like this machine, Terayama’s film connects his work in poetry, motion picture and graphic design by weaving together printed and projected, still and moving images.

Stills from The Reading Machine

13 of 13 frames — the full set is searchable by lighting, lens, shot size, color and mood with a free account.

The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: fullbody — An open field under a bright, high-contrast sky. A man pedals a complex metal frame bicycle while…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: closeup — A high-contrast graphic print of a tabby cat on a textured paper surface. The cat is shown in a…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: medium — A stone structure with eroded masonry frames a bright white opening. A man hangs upside down while…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: wide — A Japanese temple entrance with a prominent central spire and a Dharma wheel emblem. Two men in…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: closeup — An open antique book displays black printed text alongside a printed historical portrait. The aged…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: wide — A dark silhouette of a small figure rests against a brightly lit window pane. Outside the window, a…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: medium — A person sits outdoors in front of a decorative circular iron fence railing. The subject looks down…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: closeup — A dark space features a cat sitting in profile with intense rim lighting. A pair of glasses rests…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: closeup — A detailed white lace tablecloth is draped over a surface in an interior space. Strong sunlight…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: wide — A group of people walks through the rubble of a partially collapsed concrete building. The exterior…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: wide — A dilapidated structure overgrown with vines is illuminated by bright daylight through gaps. A lone…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: wide — A detailed monochromatic engraving depicts Saint Mark's Square with a massive open book. Mechanical…The Reading Machine (1977) movie still: medium — A dark, cavernous space with rough stone walls surrounds the two figures. A woman with pale skin…

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