DETAILS:

In Maison Margiela's 2024 film Nighthawk, directed by Sasha Kasiuha with creative direction by John Galliano, the story uses a unique technique to blur the boundaries between fiction and reality. During the film’s screening, characters from the story appear live in the theater, creating a “dimensional splitting” effect. For instance, actors like Lulu Tenney as Count, Leon Dame as Hen, and Frederic Bittner as Nighthawk, are first seen on screen walking through the halls of Cinema Le Balzac—the film's premiere venue—then appear live among the audience. This innovative, four-dimensional storytelling draws viewers deeper into the experience, mirroring Galliano’s exploration of the line between illusion and reality.

“Dimensional splitting.” Picture yourself in a theater watching the film. Suddenly, the Nighthawk character on screen steps into the real world of the theater, seamlessly transitioning from fiction to reality. 

He walks down the aisle as the movie continues, showing another scene with two characters—a couple in a mirrored theater directly opposite the real one.

This parallel dimension blurs the line between the audience’s space and the on-screen narrative. 

As Nighthawk’s movements in the theater alter the actions of the couple in the mirrored scene, he reaches them.

Strikes.

And vanishes in front of the audience, creating a haunting, immersive experience that leaves viewers questioning the boundary between film and reality.