Ancient of Days
Synopsis
Ancient of Days is a remarkable series of "canons and fugues for video" that comprises Viola's most sophisticated structural and metaphorical explorations of time. Mathematical notations of precise time-code editing were applied to construct illustrations of temporal symmetry, duality and transposition — time-based equivalents of musical compositional principles such as counterpoint and serialism. Astonishing temporal interventions — a 180-degree pan gazing downward on a New York City street that progresses from day to night, an image of Mount Rainier in which the foreground and background unfold in different time planes — unfold as symbolic transformations of natural and urban landscapes.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Bill Viola
- Original Title
- Ancient of Days
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 12m
- Production Studios
- National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Bill Viola
Kira Perov
Department Leadership Roster
Bill Viola
Director
Kira Perov
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Ancient of Days.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ancient of Days
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Ancient of Days about?
Ancient of Days is a remarkable series of "canons and fugues for video" that comprises Viola's most sophisticated structural and metaphorical explorations of time. Mathematical notations of precise time-code editing were applied to construct illustrations of temporal symmetry, duality and transposition — time-based equivalents of musical compositional principles such as counterpoint and serialism. Astonishing temporal interventions — a 180-degree pan gazing downward on a New York City street that progresses from day to night, an image of Mount Rainier in which the foreground and background unfold in different time planes — unfold as symbolic transformations of natural and urban landscapes.
Who directed Ancient of Days?
Ancient of Days was directed by Bill Viola.
Who stars in Ancient of Days?
The principal cast of Ancient of Days includes Not specified.
When was Ancient of Days released and how long is it?
Ancient of Days was released in 1982 with a total runtime of 12m.