The Metaphysician's Dream

Dedicated to Giorgio de Chirico, Jean Cocteau, and Brothers Quay
Puppets, animation, sets, props, music score, cinematography by William Kersten
All images originated with handmade physical/optical media
No AI, No CGI
Music performed by Vienna Symphonic Library
Filmed 2019-2020
Music scored for viola, flute, celesta, harp, musical glasses, analog synthesizer
Music and Images Copyright 2020 William Kersten
A Palladia Production filmed on location in Althyria

[@rjames8102]

This is the winner of the Skeleton Keyframe Animation Award 2021/2022 for best stop-motion animated film!

[@porpandfriends]

Just came from your most recent post to rewatch your stop motions in order. This world building is exquisite. And you can really feel your relationship to the craft. All the sound design, characters, and sets are detailed and full of personality.

[@williamkersten4279]

Thank you, appreciate your watching and comments!

[@jeannekepaan]

I feel like I've stumbled onto something really special - how does this creator only have 161 subscribers??

[@rjames8102]

Because of the way Kersten works, his films and musical compositions don't normally appear with the rapidity needed to attract a consistent audience. He composed and digitally performed the sound track, wrote the script, built the sets, and filmed and edited everything you see in these films - each a gem in its own way, but each taking many months to produce. The marketplace rewards big and flashy, things produced by large expensive teams. A solitary artist can produce treasures, but they are too often overlooked. I've been cheering Kersten on for years. I'm glad you have found and that you are enjoying his work. Please spread the word - all true artists deserve audiences!!!

[@williamkersten4279]

thanks very much jeannekepann

[@annebner756]

Eerie, magical, beautiful.

[@APoetryChannel]

Extraordinary work and so completely enchanting! Bravissimo!

[@williamkersten4279]

Thanks I appreciate your watching!

[@APoetryChannel]

@@williamkersten4279 Tremendous work. I have subscribed. I'll look forward to your future endeavors with considerable interest;) Cheers. xo

[@rjames8102]

This is incredible. It really is astounding. The film is so completely magical and original. It is a profound achievement.

[@williamkersten4279]

Thanks very much Ron!

[@TairyHesticles]

Really interesting stuff. What a small sliver of reality we exist in. Thank you for sharing this, it just made my night a whole lot weirder and that's what I was looking for.

[@williamkersten4279]

Thanks, I often have weird nights myself.

[@wesleycurryii3341]

Really excellent work. Your composer did a knock out fantastic job too. WOW!

[@williamkersten4279]

Thanks for watching!

[@Charlotte-dr2vo]

Wow whoever made this must be pretty cool

[@rjames8102]

I heard that this might be the case, but I suspect it is only weird whispering from some alternative universe.

[@MagosYCONJUROS]

excellent

[@DrizzyDefenseForce]

Very creative! 10/10

[@Esme-Lody]

wow this is so amazing! so beautiful.

[@williamkersten4279]

Thank you!

[@EverythingPianos]

A truly extraordinary accomplishment. Bravo! Would you mind sharing any technical details of this amazing gesamtkunstwerk? The cinematic quality makes me wonder about camera/lighting/graphic effects etc. I just love the look and atmosphere and am very curious how you captured it.

[@williamkersten4279]

Thank you. It is done with miniature sets and props and the puppets were manikins. I had done some abstract "lumia" experiments, also built a lot of vaguely classical structures and put those into some of the landscape scenes. The lighting was fairly traditional Hollywood style, I was trying to get it somewhat like the 1930s use of backlights and narrow depth of field.

[@EverythingPianos]

@@williamkersten4279 Great job all around. You have a unique vision. Thank you for posting this on youtube.

[@joswylin7787]

Wow, William, this really 'fantasystic', weird and surreal, but so well done! The score is wonderfully fitting to the images and atmosphere. The noises complete the sonic experience in a strange way. Did you do the whole production?

[@williamkersten4279]

Thanks Jos, yes I was alone except for the puppets who were good to work with - always on time and ready for their scenes.