Objectified is a documentary about the design of object in our everyday life and the people who design them. I was really impressed with this doc. It sounded like an interesting concept. Something that I could see the like of Michael Gondry or Spike Jonez tackling. But this is a very crisp, sharp film. It is only about 75 minutes long so it is not much of an investment nor does it overstay it's welcome.
The film is mainly interviews with designers from all over the world. You get to know these people and their philosophies on design and existence in general. This movie really opened my eyes to the amount to thought that goes into everyday items that I take for granted. From the time I wake up until the time I leave for work I have probably interacted with hundreds of items that were painstakingly designed. The mattress, the bed frame, my alarm clock, the carpet, toothbrush, faucets, the list goes on and on. It discussed form and function of design as well.
I really enjoyed the conversations that took place. One of the designers said something to the effect of "Why are there still uncomfortable chairs? We have been designing and manufacturing chairs for thousands of years. Why is it that the world still allows for uncomfortable chairs?' Another designer told a story about how 1,000 years ago things were designed to look like they served a purpose. If you gave an alien a spoon they would be able to determine that it was a scooping or digging device. The alien would be able to figure out that a chair was for sitting. Today technology does not align with this philosophy. You give an alien a iPhone and they wouldn't have any idea what it does or can do. It is merely a slate.
The movie talked about the life cycle of products. How nearly 95% of all things designed ever are probably have been in, are currently in or will end up in a landfill. The movie discusses the development of a recycling thought process of design. The doc talks about how humans interact with designed objects. Think about how you interact with your car. Is it merely a means of transportation or an extension of your personality? Or are you trying to project an image with your belongs?
I loved this doc and highly recommend it. I give it a 4/5 stars. Check out the Trailer Park to see for yourself.
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