The Bullfighter’s Tailor

A short while ago Kuriositas featured the awesome Castellers of Spain.  Included was a short film by Mike Randolph, which beautifully captured the essence of what the castellers do. Mike’s amazing video went viral and garnered over a million and half hits.  For his latest piece he stays in Spain and features the remarkable process of creating a new suit for a bullfighter.

I do realise that bullfighting isn’t really in the Kuriositas demographic (so please don’t swamp me with emails) but you won’t see a single bull in this video. Rather, what you will see is a fascinating insight in to the creation of a new suit for bullfighter Carlos, from the choice of materials to the moment he steps in to the ring. You can see a lot more of Mike Randolph’s photos and videos of Spain at his website.  Go visit – they really do justice to that remarkable country.

Matatoro

This animation peers in to the hermetic world of bullfighting and its public, the reinvents and reinterprets it through a series of highly visual metaphors.  Whatever you thing of bullfighting itself, this animation is quite extraordinary – it is very, very different.  Surreal and lovely looking both matador and bull become real and vibrant characters as the animation progresses.

The 3d feel is so organic, and the frame rate helps with the hand done aesthetic of the piece. Altogether this is a stunning reflection of a part of Spanish culture of which it must be said many disapprove.  Yet there is no opprobrium here – you are left to judge for yourself. A huge well done to the matatoro team.