Mechanical Principles is a 1930 experimental short film directed by Ralph Steiner.
[1][2] The short explores various mechanical concepts and principles through visual storytelling and cinematography.
[3] The film shows the inner workings of machines, capturing the precision of mechanical motion in detail.
[7] Jan-Christopher Horak wrote that "Mechanical Principles reveals that for Steiner any aspect of the visual world can fuel a fascination with sight.
"[8] The film, part of the director's abstract trilogy, has been found "fascinating and more striking than Surf and Seaweed".