The Poetry of Exactitude (2009)

The Poetry of Exactitude (2009) poster

Since 1946, Lucien Mouchet has been making small-scale reproductions of carousels and fairground scenes that existed in the past or are still in operation today. A machinist by trade, Mouchet retired nearly two decades ago, but his obsession with precision and detail has continued. To date, he has created 48 carousels; each is a functioning masterpiece that is constructed to be exactly 1/20 scale of the original. Mouchet works from photographs and measurements he has taken over the years of carousels that have toured France and across Europe. Mouchet tediously prepares shop drawings and hand-tooled parts, analyzing the different modes of assembly and the varying principles of movement. He combines an expertise in engineering with whimsical recreations of the carnival atmosphere, replete with electrical motors, lights, signage, transport trucks and miniature people, made by him and hand-painted by his wife, Georgette.

Director: Alan Govenar
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 9 min
Release Date:
Country: France, United States of America
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Alan Govenar
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Poetry of Exactitude about?
Since 1946, Lucien Mouchet has been making small-scale reproductions of carousels and fairground scenes that existed in the past or are still in operation today. A machinist by trade, Mouchet retired nearly two decades ago, but his obsession with precision and detail has continued. To date, he has created 48 carousels; each is a functioning masterpiece that is constructed to be exactly 1/20 scale of the original. Mouchet works from photographs and measurements he has taken over the years of carousels that have toured France and across Europe. Mouchet tediously prepares shop drawings and hand-tooled parts, analyzing the different modes of assembly and the varying principles of movement. He combines an expertise in engineering with whimsical recreations of the carnival atmosphere, replete with electrical motors, lights, signage, transport trucks and miniature people, made by him and hand-painted by his wife, Georgette.
Who directed The Poetry of Exactitude?
The Poetry of Exactitude was directed by Alan Govenar.
How long is The Poetry of Exactitude?
The Poetry of Exactitude has a runtime of 9m (9 minutes).
What genre is The Poetry of Exactitude?
The Poetry of Exactitude is a Documentary film.
Where was The Poetry of Exactitude produced?
The Poetry of Exactitude was produced in France, United States of America.