Jean Painlevé
Jean Painlevé (1902–1989) was a French filmmaker renowned for his avant-garde documentaries that crossed the boundaries between science and art. His films blend scientific knowledge with dreamlike surrealist aesthetics, aiming to create a sensual experience. Painlevé created numerous works about animals, with a special predilection for aquatic creatures and octopi in particular.
Les Amours de la Pieuvre [The Love Life of the Octopus] (1965) introduces viewers to a mesmerising sea creature. Accompanied by a voiceover, the film explores the anatomy of octopi, their ability to change colour based on their surroundings and emotions, their mating rituals and their reproductive cycle. Despite Painlevé’s obvious fascination with these tentacular creatures, the mysterious tone of the voiceover and the eerie soundtrack contribute to the general perception of octopi as bizarre. Nevertheless, the close-up shots that familiarise viewers with the texture of the octopus’ skin, its suckers, eyes and elaborate movements, provide a counterweight to the human-centred point of view. 
Exhibited work:
Les Amours de la Pieuvre [The Love Life of the Octopus], 1965
Courtesy Les Documents Cinématographiques, Parijs