This film explores the concept that inanimate objects such as barber poles, candy wrappers, clothing and furniture can communicate complex and subtle messages about people and things. As images of familiar objects are presented, a rhythmic country-rock song raises questions about the messages they carry. The viewer is encouraged to think about how objects stimulate our associations in order to communicate an idea or manipulate our responses. Images by John Seale.
Content notification
Our collection comprises over 40,000 moving image works, acquired and catalogued between the 1940s and early 2000s. As a result, some items may reflect outdated, offensive and possibly harmful views and opinions. ACMI is working to identify and redress such usages.
Learn more about our collection and our collection policy here. If you come across harmful content on our website that you would like to report, let us know.
How to watch
Collection
In ACMI's collection
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
316183
Language
English
Subject categories
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Mass media
Advertising, Film, Journalism, Mass Media & TV → Visual communication
Communications, Infrastructure, & Transport → Communication
Crafts & Visual Arts → Visual communication
Education, Instruction, Teaching & Schools → Visual communication
Food, Health, Lifestyle, Medicine, Psychology & Safety → Visual communication
Sound/audio
Sound
Colour
Colour
Holdings
16mm film; Access Print (Section 1)