Pret-a-Manger

Prêt-à-Manger reflects on the homogenisation of UK cities, where public life is packaged into predictable, themed experiences. Chain stores, like the ubiquitous sandwich shop Prêt-à-Manger, guarantee a uniform product or atmosphere, creating a landscape where few risks are taken. The film questions what in the UK psyche has driven this duplication—whether it’s the influence of urban planners or a societal desire for conformity, reliability, and reassurance.

The video captures the facades of Prêt-a-Manger, which has 256 nearly identical branches across four countries. Each scene is meticulously framed to focus on the store’s signage, maintaining a consistent visual throughout the film. As the cuts between each scene accelerate, the viewer is drawn into a dizzying rhythm where the branding dominates, rendering the surrounding streetscapes irrelevant.

Commissioned by Catalyst Arts, Belfast.

MICHAEL PINSKY STUDIO

88 Gifford Street, London, N1 0DF

00 44 (0)7958 713 853
michael@michaelpinsky.com

SOCIAL MEDIA
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