Last and First Men
Jóhann Jóhannsson / IS, 2020 / 71 min.
The last and only feature-length film by Icelandic composer Jóhann Johánsson moves between fiction and documentary, sketching how, two billion years from now, the human race lives out its last days in an indifferent universe. With a serene voice-over by Tilda Swinton.
Two billion years from now, a futuristic human race is on the verge of extinction. The last people standing decide to form a single telepathic brain with the aim of avoiding their impending doom – but it soon becomes clear this is no solution. So they send a message to the humans of today: Tilda Swinton tells us in voice-over what is happening on the dying earth.
Preceded by video art and performance pioneer Joan Jonas’ Volcano Saga (US 1989, 29’, courtesy of Electronic Arts Intermix (EAI), New York), an interpretation of a thirteenth-century Icelandic folk tale about a woman (Swinton) and her dreams. Jonas edited footage of Ron Vawter and Tilda Swinton over images of the volcanic landscape of Iceland, which becomes a character in itself.
This is part of
Special screenings
Details
Director
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Production year
2020
Country
IS
Original title
Last and First Men
Length
71 min.
Language
English
Subtitles
NONE
Format
DCP
Part of
Tilda Swinton
This autumn, Eye presents Tilda Swinton – Ongoing, an exclusive exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Scottish performer, artist, and fashion icon. This unique and personal exhibition centres on Swinton’s creative collaborations.
Why in Eye
The great musician Jóhann Jóhansson’s masterpiece taken from Olaf Stapledon’s groundbreaking ‘future history’ novel, spanning the evolution of eighteen human species, over two billion years. What a privilege to contribute to such a piece. How tantalising to imagine what Jóhann, who left us way too soon in 2018, a year later, might have made after this extraordinary debut and only directorial work.
Tilda Swinton
Actor and Performer
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