Video // In Praise Of Chairs by Tony Zhou.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007).

Juno (2007).

Zoolander (2001).

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999).

Scarface (1983).

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968).

Playtime (1967).

We all know that production design can make or break a film. In this video, film essayist Tony Zhou zeroes in on the importance of one particular set piece – the chair. He shows us how a single seat can set a scene, embody a character’s position of power, and represent characters themselves.

“In a film, a chair is not just a chair. It’s a piece of production design. And the kind of chair you choose can say everything about the person and the world they inhabit.”

This is such a clever and amusing study of the importance and the psychology of chairs. Next time you’re choosing a piece of furniture for your project, or your home, I hope you really consider what it’s going to do for your space.

Related Post: Can a House Be a Character?

[Images & video courtesy of by Tony Zhou.]