Corinna Schnitt
Introduction
In Once Upon a Time (2005) filmmaker Corinna Schnitt (German
b. 1964) uses a rotating camera apparatus to capture a continuous,
360-degree panoramic shot of a living room taken over by
numerous species of domesticated animals-cats, dogs, ducks,
chickens, goats, parrots, a cow. At each revolution of the camera,
more animals are introduced to the scene, lending a controlled
pace to the overall progression of unraveling chaos. A silent participant,
the camera-positioned low to the ground as if watching
from a dog or cat’s point of view-records the increasing disorder
of the once tidy space. Schnitt’s careful cinematography contrasts
with the disruptive activities of the animals, highlighting
the inherent tensions and consequences of introducing unbridled
nature to the confines of the home. Over the course of twentyfive
minutes, Once Upon a Time spins a tale of domestication-
suggesting the taming of nature in favor of social norms and the
clash between domesticity and primal instinct.
Sabrina Locks
Exhibition images
