Review: Michaela Müller’s “Airport”

Who hasn’t been to an airport, or traveled by plane?

For the writer, director and animator Michaela Müller, these universal experiences are the catalysts behind her acclaimed short film Airport, which has been screening at festivals internationally and stateside (including Slamdance) since the latter half of 2017.

Painting directly onto glass to gorgeous effect, Müller creates vivid, impressionistic portraits of familiar scenarios to explore the range of emotions we feel when traveling. The use of distinct colors for these moments not only heightens the desired tone but allows them to contrast each other. For instance, a bittersweet farewell from relatives at the start of a solo trip is shown in a warm orange hue, and a domineering stain of red looms over exasperated groans at the sight of a cancellation‑filled departure board. Yet my favorite use of this motif was the connection made between movement and the color blue, particularly during one sequence where Müller’s brushstrokes are used as escalators. More closely resembling rivers, these flows of people from every direction seemed to suggest that in modern society, the movement is inevitable and unstoppable, and as essential as water.

The short’s sense of restlessness is bolstered by its sound design, which creates the overall impression of a sensory overload. Indeed, the blur of mechanical noise with human voices (which, in a brilliant touch, come from a variety of languages) create a sense of confusion that will be familiar to anyone who has struggled with cultural barriers; Airport’s sound team has been singled out for awards recognition at festivals, and it doesn’t take long to appreciate their achievement here. However, air travel ultimately avoids condemnation due to the ingenious way the sounds and images combined. Coupled with Müller’s rejection of plot, character and even scenes, the short becomes a metaphor for the literal displacement we experience when moving between places and time zones.

OUR TAKE

I’m sure that Airport’s abstract structure and lack of dialogue will discourage some potential viewers, and I’ll admit that there were moments that felt overly long, or slightly confusing. Despite this, its ambition and flair are obvious in every frame, and it’s impressive that Müller’s vision was realized so clearly. Overall, those who appreciate the thought put into every aspect of animation will love it, “plane” and simple.

 

Score
7.5/10