Time Travellers by Arlie Adlington

Often documentary is reduced to a mixing of narration and tape.  Rarely do producers use the sounds within that tape to create rhythm, movement, and as sound design.  This early piece by Arlie Adlington sounds like it could be an AIR album showcasing the mechanics of horology alongside the words we hear.  As the questions go deeper and more heady (aesthetics versus accuracy), the dialogue between the sounds and words of horology follows.  Adlington’s adeptness in using all the tape, not just the spoken parts, has permeated his documentary work.  Indeed, you can hear how it informs the sound design of more straightforward projects like A Positive Life, and where it shines in the installations and unique showcases of his work on Short Cuts and at the Barbican Centre.  More of Adlington’s work can be found here.