- Categorization: Collision is a short film that uses abstract animation to show the conflict between the US and the Islamic world. It uses the colors and shapes of their flags to create a visual metaphor of war and violence. The film has a dark and tense mood, and it makes us think about the theme of war and its consequences. The film also challenges us to question our own views and biases, and to look for dialogue and understanding between diverse cultures. The film is different from other animations because it does not use any words or stories, but only abstract images and symbols.
- Form and Function: The film is a short animation that lasts for 2 minutes and 21 seconds. The film’s goal is to send a message of peace and harmony through visual art, and to make us feel and imagine things. The film’s challenge is that it does not tell us what the images mean, and it depends on what we know and think. The film’s style is a mix of 2D and 3D animation, using computer graphics and digital effects.
- Process: The film’s technique is based on the idea of “synesthetic animation”, which is the art of making visual music, or turning sound into images. The film’s material is the flags of the US and some Islamic countries, which are broken down and put together into different patterns and shapes. The film’s technology is the use of software like Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Cinema 4D. The film’s message is that the flags, which are signs of who we are and where we belong, can also cause problems and fights, and that they can be changed into something new and beautiful. The film’s medium is the screen, which lets us see the film’s colors, movements, and sounds in a lively and immersive way.
- Formal Elements: The film’s use of space is based on the difference between the front and the back, which creates a sense of depth and perspective. The film’s composition is based on the balance and imbalance of the shapes and patterns, which creates a sense of order and chaos. The film’s light and color are based on the main colors of the flags, which are red, white, blue, green, and black. The film’s movement is based on the spinning, moving, and changing of the shapes and patterns, which creates a sense of rhythm and energy. The film’s timing, pacing, and transition are based on the matching of the images and the music, which creates a sense of harmony and discord. The film’s audio relationship is based on the use of electronic music, which creates a sense of mood and atmosphere. The film’s music is made by Jemapur, a Japanese musician who makes experimental and ambient music. The film explores the formal elements of animation, and how they can be used to make a meaningful and expressive work of art.
Without saying, color is a key element in the short film Collision (by Max Hattler), as it not only creates a stunning visual effect, but also expresses the film’s message and meaning. The film uses the colors and patterns of the American flag and Islam to represent two diverse cultures and political views. The film depicts the clash, conflict and dialogue between these two forces by transforming, rearranging, colliding and merging these colors and patterns. The color scheme of the film also matches the pace and tone of the film, such as:
- The film starts with simple and static colors, with only red, white and blue, showing the American perspective.
- The film progresses with diverse and dynamic colors, with green, yellow, black and others, showing the Islamic culture.
- The film ends with chaotic and violent colors, with purple, orange, gray and others, showing the intense confrontation between the two forces.

This short film is a dazzling display of colors, and the way they mix and clash reveals the author’s observations and opinions.