Falling Cat

Étienne-Jules Marey, a French scientist and pioneer in chronophotography, directed what is believed to be the first cinematic documentary featuring a cat. In 1882, he invented the chronophotographic gun, an innovative device resembling a compact shotgun equipped with a magazine that held twelve frames capable of being captured within a second. Marey's unique invention allowed him to explore and document animal behavior in incredible detail.One of his most famous studies, part of what was known as Marey's 'animated zoo,' involved capturing the movements of a cat dropped from a modest height to investigate whether it would always land on its feet. This groundbreaking documentation of feline agility showcased the potential of early cinematography in scientific research and provided fascinating insights into animal behavior.