Film Lens
Mechanical Marvels: Clockwork Dreams, presented by Professor Simon Schaffer, covers the history and intricacies of automata, which are clockwork machines designed to mimic life. The film travels across Europe, showcasing various examples of these machines, including a working automaton city and a programmable boy that can write. Schaffer provides context on the technical sophistication and ambition behind these creations, revealing their significance in engineering history.
The documentary emphasizes the craftsmanship and ingenuity of these clockwork devices, illustrating how they were built and the purposes they served. By visiting remarkable sites and machines, Schaffer brings to life the stories behind these extraordinary inventions, demonstrating their lasting impact on technology and art.
Why Watch
- •See Professor Simon Schaffer reveal automata secrets.
- •Find out how a clockwork city operates.
- •Meet a boy automaton that writes.
Did You Know
•The film features a working automaton city, showcasing multiple machines.
•One automaton in the film can be programmed to write like a human.
•There is a device in the documentary that can play chess against a human.
Perfect For
Engineering enthusiastsHistory buffsFans of automata