Headless Population is an animation that begins in a countryside setting which gradually develops to become more urban. Initially, the film depicts one or two people. This changes to become a larger population through the course of the film. As this happens, people in the natural environment begin to draw their attention to their mobile phones and the use of technology increases with the transition to the cityscape. Nearing the end of the film, we get the impression that we are in New York. The sides of buildings are dominated with media boards, the roads are busy with traffic and the pavements swarm with people who walk obliviously as they glare head-down at their screens.
A credit to the production is that the animated characters have no facial expression, making their actions impersonal – something I feel reflects the message the film is aiming to portray about modern life as a result of the take over of technology. The film depicts the sadness of a sedate countryside scene being interrupted by the pings and beeps of mobile phones. These noises become more frequent and the repetitive ‘blah’ of office computers is almost sinister, perhaps hinting to the dangers of social media or perhaps simply drawing on the pointlessness of online interactions in contrast with real life conversation.
The ending is short but powerful and truly warns of the risks associated with paying too much attention to our phones and not being aware of the world immediately surrounding us. The film raises a valuable point of view regarding modern technology. Whilst advances in technology have so many advantages, the film does suggest that our gadgets may in fact be making us more miserable and discontented – from the first characters peaceful satisfaction of reaching the top of a stunning mountain range to the final mob, necks and heads hunched, the film departs on a feeling of decay and isolation. Have a watch. What do you think the film portrays?
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