Watch Heaven and Earth Magic

Heaven and Earth Magic is a 1962 experimental animated film directed by Harry Smith. It is a work of abstract animation that employs a range of techniques, including collage, stop-motion, hand-drawn animation, and live-action footage. The film is loosely based on the myth of Aladdin and his magic lamp, but it also includes elements of Surrealism and Eastern philosophy, as well as Smith's own idiosyncratic blend of mysticism and humor.

The film is divided into two parts, or "heavens," each lasting about an hour. The first part, titled "Nuit," is a dense, hallucinatory collage of images drawn from various sources, including old medical textbooks, children's books, and tarot cards. The images are animated in a stop-motion style, with objects and figures moving and transforming in a dreamlike manner. The sound design is equally eclectic, featuring a range of found sounds, improvised music, and spoken word recordings.

The second part, titled "Jour," is more coherent and narrative-driven. It follows the story of a young boy, Alvin, who discovers a magic lamp and becomes embroiled in a surreal, metaphysical adventure. The animation in this part is predominantly hand-drawn, with simple, minimalist linework and abstract shapes. The soundtrack is more focused than in the first part, featuring a mix of traditional and contemporary music, as well as Smith's own recordings of various chants and mantras.

One of the most striking aspects of Heaven and Earth Magic is its use of color. The film is rendered in a rich, vibrant palette of reds, blues, greens, and yellows, which are used to create a sense of otherworldly magic and transformation. The colors also serve to link disparate images and scenes, creating a hypnotic, kaleidoscopic effect.

Another notable feature of the film is its use of symbolism and allegory. Throughout the film, Smith draws on a range of cultural and spiritual traditions, from Egyptian mythology to Taoist philosophy, to explore themes such as death, rebirth, and transcendence. The imagery is often cryptic and ambiguous, leaving the viewer to draw their own interpretations and associations.

Heaven and Earth Magic was a significant influence on the emerging underground film scene of the 1960s, particularly on filmmakers such as Stan Brakhage and Kenneth Anger. Its use of collage, found footage, and experimental sound design paved the way for a new generation of avant-garde filmmakers, while its blend of mysticism and humor helped to expand the boundaries of what was considered "serious" art.

Overall, Heaven and Earth Magic is a fascinating and visually stunning work of experimental animation. Its dreamlike imagery and abstract storytelling create a unique and immersive cinematic experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.