One of several collaborative dance films by the Brothers Quay & (dancer, choreographer) William Tuckett. Little enough info around on line, but there's briefly by way of Wikipedia entry. Adapted rather loosely from the works of the E.T.A. Hoffman. Familiar Quays' tropes, much in evidence: automata, trompe l'oeil effects, etc. No credit on the sound design (which is fairly elaborate), tho' that is possibly Larry Sider.
Practical Effects
Quay brothers' automata are genuinely unsettling.
Cinematography
Trompe l'oeil that keeps lying to your eyes.
Sound
Larry Sider's unhinged soundscape—no dialogue needed.
Director
William Tuckett
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
E.T.A. Hoffman's original 1816 story invented the modern 'uncanny'—Freud wrote his famous essay on it 100 years later.
Heathcote Williams was primarily a poet and activist; this is one of his rare screen performances, all presence and no exposition.
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