The city as movie set

This explicit (and large scale) co-opting of an entire city block — and subsequently affecting the greater area around the site — for the filming of a movie provides a moment of disturbance to think about one's relation to the city.

The false lighting required for a movie set creates an incredible dynamic and point of re-engagement with an otherwise usual and familiar cityscape. Not only through the naturally impossible play of light and shadow on the street brought on by this intense light (positioned at a point of disconnect from any of the habitual paths of the sun) but also – and quite possibly – through a psychological effect based on the fact that this daytime condition is constructed at 1AM.

One other idea to note is regarding our actions and behaviour as we are consciously aware of the "set" which is constructing the current reality — a reality which we usually take for granted in part due to the "seamless" nature of our surrounds. However, in this case, the massive network of wires and cables which run the length of the street and the presence of such massive tower lights provide concrete literal cues about this particular space.

At 355 Burrard Street, the Marine Building at 1AM with the addition of intense light filtered by the trees in front.