(1936) The Birth of the Robot : Len Lye’s Surreal Symphony of Oil and Machines

In 1936, New Zealand-born artist and filmmaker Len Lye crafted a mesmerizing and bizarre short film titled The Birth of the Robot. Commissioned as an advertisement for Shell Motor Oil, Lye transformed the mundane into a surreal spectacle, showcasing his innovative animation techniques and captivating visual style. The Birth of the Robot is not a narrative film in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a rhythmic, almost abstract exploration of movement, form, and the relationship between the natural and the mechanical. The film opens with a lush, Eden-like landscape populated by whimsical creatures. Suddenly, a shower of oil descends, animating not only the parched flora and fauna but also a variety of anthropomorphized automobiles. These mechanical beings, crafted from cutouts and everyday objects, come to life in a dance of jerky, almost spasmodic movements. They interact with each other and their environment in a series of vignettes, their forms shifting and transforming in a kaleidoscope of color and light. The oil, both life-giving and potentially destructive, serves as a metaphor for the ambiguous relationship between humanity and technology. Lye was a pioneer of direct animation, a technique where he manipulated the film stock itself, scratching, painting, and adding objects directly onto the celluloid. This method allowed him to create a unique visual language, full of vibrant colors, dynamic patterns, and a sense of tactile immediacy. The Birth of the Robot showcases Lye’s mastery of this technique, with each frame bursting with energy and a playful sense of experimentation. Lye’s choice of music further enhances the film’s otherworldly atmosphere. Gustav Holst’s orchestral suite “The Planets“ provides a majestic and sometimes ominous backdrop to the visuals. The rhythmic pulsations and dramatic crescendos of the music amplify the film’s mechanical ballet, creating a mesmerizing audio-visual experience. Despite its experimental nature, The Birth of the Robot was a commercial success, shown in over 300 cinemas and seen by millions. However, its impact extends far beyond its initial purpose as an advertisement. The film is now recognized as a landmark of experimental animation, showcasing Lye’s artistic vision and technical ingenuity. The Soundtrack: Holst’s “The Planets“