The Octopus (1928)
An octopus slithers over objects on land—a doll, a skull—then oozes along the shore into the sea. It secretes its ink. The camera follows it along rocks into deeper water, watching closely as it breathes. Its eye is closed then open. Simple titles, in French and German, suggest what to watch. The octopus alternates the use of breathing tubes on either side. It changes color as cells on its skin contract or dilate. Extreme magnification helps us see these changes. Two struggle, one dies. On shore, fishermen catch them and put them in pails. A single tentacle still has life. Back in the sea, two octopi attack a crab. Soon only a couple of crab legs are visible in the mouth of the victor.
Director: Jean Painlevé
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 13 min
Release Date: December 14, 1928
Country: France
Language: No Language
Original Language: fr
Keywords
octopus
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Octopus about?
- An octopus slithers over objects on land—a doll, a skull—then oozes along the shore into the sea. It secretes its ink. The camera follows it along rocks into deeper water, watching closely as it breathes. Its eye is closed then open. Simple titles, in French and German, suggest what to watch. The octopus alternates the use of breathing tubes on either side. It changes color as cells on its skin contract or dilate. Extreme magnification helps us see these changes. Two struggle, one dies. On shore, fishermen catch them and put them in pails. A single tentacle still has life. Back in the sea, two octopi attack a crab. Soon only a couple of crab legs are visible in the mouth of the victor.
- Who directed The Octopus?
- The Octopus was directed by Jean Painlevé.
- How long is The Octopus?
- The Octopus has a runtime of 13m (13 minutes).
- What genre is The Octopus?
- The Octopus is a Documentary film.
- Where was The Octopus produced?
- The Octopus was produced in France.