Historically, the cinema close-up was initially employed to convey emotions through facial expressions. But soon filmmakers also began focusing their attention on hands. Using film extracts, Farocki explores this visual language, it's symbolism, Freudian slips, automatisms and its music. Often, hands betray an emotion which the face tries to dissimulate. They can also function as a conduit (exchanging money) or witness to a form of competence (work).
(Production note)
Original title Der Ausdruck der Hände Director Harun Farocki Scriptwriter Harun Farocki, Jörg Becker Cinematographer Ingo Kratisch Sound Klaus Klingler Editor Max Reimann Researcher in the USA David Barker, Tom Bigelow Production Harun Farocki Filmproduktion, Berlin, for WDR TV-producer Werner Dütsch Format video-BetaSp, 1:1,37, col. Length 30 min. First broadcast 07.09.1997, 3sat
All Works of this Decade:
Words and GamesThe Chief Executive OfficerThe Advertisement InfoThe Expression of HandsStill LifeThe InterviewThe Ad GuyThe AppearanceThe Theater of the RetrainingKitchen HelpersWorkers Leaving the FactoryThe Leading RoleRetrainingA Day in the Life of a ConsumerShort Films by Peter WeissBefore your Eyes VietnamView of the City