Salem Al Fakir - Astronaut

Astronaut is a high-concept, simple three-minute (or so) animation. The concept is in the title: indeed, it’s the only thing that’s for certain.

It’s a fairly psychedelic, abstract piece that is clearly inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001. However, it possesses a sense of fun that Kubrick’s movie lacked. It’s equally as mannered in its presentation; there is a limited colour palette of oranges, yellows and whites used throughout, and the whole thing is set to a short, sweet acoustic-guitar song in the style of American new-folkie Sufjan Stevens’ more stripped down moments.

The animation is mostly comprised of line drawings, aside from the titular character (who is presented in a slightly more shaded fashion). It’s an impressionistic, sometimes surrealistic experience. So surreal, the rocket in the piece looks like it was stolen from the Eighties kids TV show Button Moon.

The film is never overbearing, dull or contrived. It adds up to an almost magical experience. Even if you don’t know what it’s going on about.