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Life
The unfolding of life stories continues present until the final curtain falls; cinema is no different in this regard. "LIFE" is an expanded cinema. The work uses heart rate sensors to estimate the emotional states of viewers, allowing them to choose different plot developments in real-time. In this way, the audience can interact with the movie instantly, weaving together an emotionally interwoven story. This project does not rely on typical interactive methods found in interactive movies or video games; rather, it explores a biometric-based approach to interaction.
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a biometric technology related to human heart rate that is widely used in the field of emotion research within psychology. In "LIFE", the ECG data interacts closely with the plots, which does not pause to wait for audience to make active choices. Much like the various encounters we experience daily, these split-second decisions may be interpreted as entanglements of fate or destiny.
The moving images in "LIFE" represent symbols of freedom, life, and death. The audience's through their emotional reactions determine the fate of the characters. Over time, the audience's emotional responses trigger plot twists, tugging at the audience's emotions. This subtle interplay constructs the entire viewing experience. After the screening, Chan interviews audience and discusses the entire viewing process with them. This intriguing interaction prompts reflection on the nature of life and the concept of destiny.
Exhibition Record
Clusters of Instances, The SCM Annual 2018, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Y:2018)
BACKGROUND
Background
The reason behind creating "Life" is to explore a new form of interactive cinema using ECG heart rate sensors to map emotional states onto real-time plot developments. It came at a time when I was critical of interactive cinema being overly focused on physical interaction, such as using buttons or body movements, making cinema feel more like a game than cinema. I define cinema as a passive engagement, but one that is emotionally active.
1. ECG & Emotion
I started the paper "Human Emotion Recognition Using Heart Rate Variability Analysis with Spectral Bands Based on Respiration" [1]. The data from the paper is utilized in the project as a threshold gate, letting the audience select the video clips within a decision tree driven by real-time ECG sensing.
2. A trip to Aokigahara
The title "Life" is not only about cinema but also holds personal significance. In 2017, during a trip to Aokigahara, my friend and I got lost in one of the oldest forests in the world. By chance, we stumbled upon an obelisk with the words "May Peace Prevail on Earth" inscribed on it. This profound moment, entangled with themes of fate and destiny, deeply influenced the project and me.
