The name is Trope. Zoe Trope.

This past Sunday I saw the new Bond film "Quantum of Solace"
The film was nothing to write home about, and overall, neither was the title sequence (which I am completely willing to admit is usually my favorite bit!)
However, as someone interested in the influence of early moving image techniques in contemporary motion design, one part of the title sequence did stand out for me. The ubiquitous naked women are represented in sequences reminiscent of both the kaleidoscope and, more excitingly (for me) the zoetrope, both early methods of presenting moving images.

The zoetrope, invented in 1834, is a spinning drum with a sequence of images along the inner perimeter, and slits around the drum. When spun, peering through the slits at the inside images gives the impression of movement, in a similar way that the shutter in a film projector gives the impression of movement when run through the viewfinder.

Here is a short video explaining the zoetrope:


And here is the opening title sequence of "Quantum of Solace" (I have chosen a version that replaces the offending title song with easy-to-listen-to "Baker Street")



The Zoetrope section starts at around 2:02.

For more Zoetrope goodness, here is a clip of a lifesize pedal-powered zoetrope at the Burning Man Festival by Peter Hudson!

WANT: Slice Clock $120

From Spring 3D comes this amazing sliced grandfather clock, which they are selling as part of a 'Dexter' Themed Dining Room.

Can we talk about how much I WANT THIS?