Hand Crafted Films

Evan Mather’s short film “The Image of the City” explores the ways in which the urban environment shapes our experience of place and identity. Through a series of stunning visual sequences, the film takes viewers on a journey through Los Angeles, highlighting the diverse range of spaces and landscapes that make up this sprawling metropolis. From the vast expanse of the city’s freeways to the dense network of streets and alleyways, Mather’s film offers a unique perspective on the urban fabric of Los Angeles.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of the “imageability” of the city, or the degree to which its physical environment is memorable, distinctive, and easy to navigate. Mather suggests that the imageability of a city is shaped by a variety of factors, including its architecture, landmarks, and natural features. Through careful editing and visual composition, Mather highlights these elements, drawing attention to the ways in which they shape our perception of the city.

Overall, “The Image of the City” is a powerful meditation on the relationship between people and the places they inhabit. Through its evocative imagery and insightful commentary, the film offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the complex dynamics that shape our experience of the urban environment. Whether you are a city dweller or simply interested in the ways in which our surroundings shape our lives, “The Image of the City” is a must-see film.

*** – At a first glance, you may think that The Image of the City is a painfully pretentious and awfully presumptuous pseudo-art house documentary short, and in many respects, you’d be correct … but what’s also available beneath the seams is a clear parallel of man to every other worker automaton in nature, from the random animal to the average worker ant that familiarizes itself with landmarks and paths, and is somehow conditioned to follow these pre-destined designs to get them to their destination … in many ways, we are also the worker ants, as Kevin Lynch examines how we’re more so conditioned to follow designs and comfort zones, rather than we are street smart. Much like worker ants of their colonies, Lynch examines how we’re also born with a sense of radar and how the world is more built for the easy ability of production and less for the individual … though it’s overbearing in its presentation, The Image of the City is a fascinating glimpse at the world we live in and our ever growing connection to the common animal.

Film Threat, 9/3/07

2006
Short
U.S.A.
English
6 minutes
Evan Mather