Classic Shorts by Max Andersson

5 legendary short films by Max Andersson, created in 5 years between 1984 and 1989. Techniques and formats range from classic cel animation through stop motion to live action, from Super 8mm silent film to 35mm Cinemascope and Dolby Surround.

Originally presented in Swedish cinemas as a feature-length programme under the title ”Spik-Bebis och andra gränsfall” in 1990 followed by a limited release on VHS tape. With the exception of Spik-Bebis, which was digitally restored by the Swedish Film Institute in 2018, all files presented here were scanned in SD from the VHS version.

Sweden 1984, 8 min.

35mm, color, 4:3

Synopsis:

A pirate music video happily subverting all kinds of cultural archetypes while at the same time exposing the global threat of the mousetrap industry. Awarded, including for Best Animated Short, at Melbourne, Los Angeles and Berlin film festivals.

Sweden 1987, 5 min.

35mm Scope, b/w, 2.35:1, Dolby 5.1

Synopsis:

Two animated creatures living on the edge of a giant black and white widescreen film frame discover that their movements are being pre-determined by external forces. They decide to challenge this state of affairs.

Sweden 1987, 13 min.

16 mm, b/w and color, 4:3

Synopsis:

A man living in a dilapidated glass cage on top of an abandoned light bulb factory starts his day by hammering 7-inch nails into his head before watching unorthodox children's shows on a broken TV. Then things get weird.

Sweden 1988, 7 min.

35 mm, color, 4:3

Synopsis:

Stop motion documentation of the only known public performance by the Swedish pop music act Svensk Film, believed to have disintegrated before a dead audience in 1987.

Sweden 1989, 17 min.

16 mm, b/w, 4:3

Synopsis:

A young couple in a typical Swedish suburb face a deep crisis as the abusive boyfriend kills and consumes his partner's favorite frozen fish stick pets. By accident, she finds a satisfying replacement.