From the Film Maker...

The colours of the garments worn by the characters in the painting are echoed in people's clothes in the film.

I used the red, green and white of the scientist for Annie, who is a hybrid of the sister/scientist (from the painting). The pinks of the two young sisters can be seen in Carolyn's wardrobe.

Even though the most dramatic lighting in the painting comes from a candle in the centre of the group, I preferred to show the light of the full moon. Although the moon is not a significant light source in the painting, it's still quite visible through the window. To me, it adds to the eeriness and disconcerting feeling of the scene.

The main theme in my film is obsession, cold calculation and death. Annie, the film's main character, is obsessed with timing things - timing anything, to the point of becoming disconnected from reality and common sense. She sees no restrictions once her mind is set on something.

The scientist in the painting looks straight ahead with an expression of unflinching, slightly unhinged determination, regardless of the children's horrified reaction, the couple's lack of interest, and the old man's melancholy ponderings.

I took the idea of two young sisters from the painting, as well as the use of a stopwatch and the appearance of a skull in a jar.
Carolyn Bowes