Emile Radok, the distinguished Czech director/cinematographer who inspired much of the experimental filmwork at Expo 67 in Montreal, was commissioned by the Disney people to make, of all things, a pre-show waiting area presentation for one of its theme park rides. Like cooking at the airport, this isn't the fulfillment of lifelong ambitions, but Radok made it work splendidly. (As did the chefs who each earned a Michelin star for their restaurants at Charles de Gaulle and Orly).
Radok's specialty is split screen work. Here, presentday cityscapes and historical re-creations are flashed onto a series of screens which actually move, kaleidoscope fashion, creating split images out of one single projection. This lively visual and mechanical spectacle far outshines the "Universe of Energy" ride-thru to come.
