A new image film, entitled “Form and Function - The Battle” was launched by The Porsche Design Group (Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG). It depicts the eternal design controversy between form and function. A conflict brought to life by actors Billy Zane in the role of form and Karel Roden as function. The short film, presented as a classic stage play, springs plenty of surprises with a tense duel of words between the two characters. Director Charley Stadler, who brings experience from movies such as “Dead Fish” and more than 100 advertising films, provides additional action with unusual perspectives and camera cuts.
The unusual duel based on the design philosophy of Porsche Design takes place in a completely dark room. The aim of the film is to eliminate the mistaken notion that form always simply follows the function. In the ideal world of Porsche Design, the two meet at eye level. One does not work without the other, neither they follow each other. A truly excellent product fulfils both of these demands. In the four minute film Form and Function fight ceaselessly over the importance of their tasks. They create a friction which is essential to allow the creation of the very best product in the end.
The products themselves only feature in cameo roles in the film. The focus remains on the cynical and entertaining duel of words between Form and Function. Homage to the design philosophy of Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, the founder of the luxury brand Porsche Design, and his motto:
If you analyse the function of an object, its form often becomes obvious.
Instead of a piece of advertising, they have created advertainment which brings the purist, functional and timeless cornerstones of the brand to the fore - and manages to do so without mentioning them once.
