Play Dead: Real Time

The film features a circus elephant at the Gagosian Gallery in New York City, filmed as it responds to commands to lie down and struggle to rise. Douglas Gordon, known for his explorative style, presents multiple versions of this event through front and rear projections, as well as a monitor. This approach offers viewers a multifaceted look at the elephant’s experience, highlighting the influence of external forces on its actions.

As an avant-garde piece, Play Dead: Real Time invites contemplation on the nature of performance and observation. The film is not just a documentary; it engages with themes of control and perspective in a distinctive manner that is characteristic of Gordon's work. Collectors interested in contemporary art and innovative filmmaking will find this piece significant within the context of modern documentary practices.