It’s interesting how trends from decades earlier became cemented in pop culture and are still considered “cool,” although now they’re also “retro.” From fashion to art to games, that which comprises fond memories for some becomes a statement of style for others. But where did these status symbols originate? Some, like Daisy Dukes, are more apparent; but what about the less obvious ones? 20 Moves reveals the varied history of the often frustrating yet totally addictive Rubik’s Cube.
The basic story that The Rubik’s Cube was invented in Hungary by Erno Rubik is generally known. However, the intricate ins and outs of bringing the toy to U.S. markets are revealed by his surviving business partner, Tom Kremer. Even though Rubik created the product, Kremer, a Hungarian expatriate, handled negotiations with the American toy company — once one of them finally returned his calls. He and one of the former executives at Ideal Toy Company relate the bizarre and often humorous process of getting the Cube on store shelves — and then how they crashed and burned with a warehouse full of unsold product in a market saturated with imitations.
There are a number of interviews with people who were involved in the deals and production, as well as archival footage of Rubik answering questions at an anniversary event. However they are never in the same room so their stories are cleverly edited together into a single, surprisingly seamless narrative. This is most evident in the above-mentioned retelling of the Cube’s introduction to the world in which everyone’s piece of the puzzle seems to organically fit together. The only thing that could have made it more cohesive is if they were interviewed in similar rooms. On the other hand, the random interviews with celebrities such as former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler and WWE superstar Rob Van Dam seem very out of place and do little to establish the toy’s popularity.
In addition to revisiting The Rubik’s Cube’s heyday, filmmakers also explore the ways in which its status as a toy has evolved. One of the main and still active uses for the puzzle is in competitions where people compete to finish it the fastest. This is where the documentary gets its title as a Czech speedcuber, Jessica Fridrich, discovered 20 is the least number of moves required to solve the brainteaser (though the theory is never clearly demonstrated on screen). On the other end of the spectrum, a curator from the Museum of Modern Art in New York describes how the game became a permanent part of their collection. Moreover, it’s become a means of creating art as various artists manipulate 1000s of Cubes to create large-scale original and replica pieces that are both awe-inspiring and beautiful.
This documentary is fascinating and entertaining even though it’s also light and inconsequential. 20 Moves is playing in the Canadian Film Fest in Toronto, which runs March 30 to April 2.
Director: Harvey Glazer
