In making this film, I wanted to take time with the filming. I wanted not just to shoot, but really to explore visually with the camera. The goal was to experiment with the sense of time and to look at everyday objects in new ways, in part by mixing Super 8 and video.
34 x 25 x 36 is one in my series of short films that explore physical perfection from a variety of perspectives. With that series of shorts, my aim is to open up and ask questions and to look at the ways we are affected by physical ideals on a daily basis. What does it mean to strive to attain an unattainable ideal or image? Will we ever truly be satisfied with ourselves? And do we want to be?
According to mannequin designer George Martin, church figures that people worshipped were the world's first mannequins. In that case, is there a connection between worshipping religious icons and worshipping mass-produced sculptures of "perfect women?"
My goal is for as many teachers as possible to use 34 x 25 x 36 and the other films in my series to start discussions about media, body image and self-esteem.
Jesse Epstein
Filmmaker, 34 x 25 x 36