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Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis)
7.5

Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) (2023)

Jun 07, 2023 1h 40m Documentary Music

In 1968, art students Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell made a trippy photo collage for their musician friends Syd, David and Roger. The resulting album and album cover, A Saucerful of Secrets, helped launch two careers: that of Pink Floyd, one of the 70s megabands, and of Hipgnosis, which, over the course of the next 25 years, designed a stream of iconic album covers.

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Directed by Anton Corbijn

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Anton Corbijn
Producer
  • Colin Firth
  • Ged Doherty
  • Thorsten Schumacher

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Thematic Analysis

Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Anton Corbijn brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2023, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1756 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2023, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike That Thing You Do!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Harder They Come and La guerre de Troie a bien eu lieu explore similar territory, Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 7, 2023
  • Runtime: 1h 40m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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