Fighting Triangles: Social Perception AKA The Heider-Simmel Illusion
“In 1944, psychologists Fritz Heider and Marianne Simmel made a very short, animated film of moving shapes. This is purist cinema. Shapes are just moving around, but it is virtually impossible not to project judgements, desires and a storyline onto them. With such raw materials, the perceived narrative is not about the shapes, but a reflection of the viewer’s own psychology and memories. Scientists found that viewers construct their own individual interpretations of events; there is not one common narrative, but innumerable permutations—sometimes with imagined voices or sound effects.” - Brittany Gravely / Harvard Film Archive
Fighting Triangles: Social Perception AKA The Heider-Simmel Illusion
“In 1944, psychologists Fritz Heider and Marianne Simmel made a very short, animated film of moving shapes. This is purist cinema. Shapes are just moving around, but it is virtually impossible not to project judgements, desires and a storyline onto them. With such raw materials, the perceived narrative is not about the shapes, but a reflection of the viewer’s own psychology and memories. Scientists found that viewers construct their own individual interpretations of events; there is not one common narrative, but innumerable permutations—sometimes with imagined voices or sound effects.” - Brittany Gravely / Harvard Film Archive
Creators and cast
- Directors
- Fritz Heider, Marianne Simmel
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
No Language
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.