Hundreds of motorbikes are animated frame by frame in this homage to the iconic motorcycle design and culture of the 1950s and 60s
Shot over the course of three weeks in Portugal, this week’s Staff Pick Premiere comes from the illustrious Paul Bush, in the form of what feels like a blithe retrospective on all things bikes: the motorized kind.
What started as an idea from co-producer Abi Feijo came to life years later through an expansive collection of motorcycles at Jose Pereira’s Museu da Mota. Despite there being more than 5,000 bikes to choose from, Bush went with a fraction of them — all lightweights ranging in European origin, but mostly from Portugal.
To watch this film is to witness mastery at play. With over 40 years of experience, Bush employs his stop motion brilliance with such precision, the idea of “effort” seems a bit foreign. The radiators, throttles, headlights and engines, fuel tanks, exhaust pipes, and every nut and bolt needing a screw — these parts and pieces are the lifeblood of bikes around the world. Bush seemingly appreciates each of those unmistakable machines with every passing frame.
One would be remiss to not note the irony that this project presents. A motorcyclist, not especially different from any other, produces his bike from a garage and sets off on a ride. Though, one could argue that the motorcyclist set off on hundreds of rides, maybe thousands, on more bikes than some might ever see in their own lifetime. And all in under the time it takes one to order a melange from the local cafe. It’s all so impossibly believable, that’s the magic of Paul Bush.
Read more Ride
