Pulp Fiction Diorama

The Diorama was invented by Louis Daguerre and Charles Marie Bouton in 1822. Popular understanding of the term denotes a partially three-dimensional model of a landscape typically showing historical events, nature scenes or cityscapes, for purposes of education or entertainment. Pulp Fiction dance scene may not be considered education, but for sure it fits entertainment category.

Why Pulp Fiction?

Magical realism or whatever, Pulp Fiction is featured again in theaters in Argentina. That was the starting point for this Arduino powered Diorama.

Custom made illustrations of Vincent and Mia characters were made by Adriana from Ojo Que Piensa https://www.instagram.com/ojoquepiensa. They were printed in cardboard, then Vincent waste and Mia’s arm were removed and pasted into servo arms.

A scaled disco ball was made with sequins and attached to a continuous motion servo.

Finally a laser module was pointed to the disco ball. It was all placed into a Nike shoe box lined with a bath courtain, before connecting jumper cables to Arduino Uno.

Code was not complicated. One function per movement: Vincent, Mia, disco ball and laser. Then function calls and delays inside main loop.

Dioramas, even rushed and a little messy, always have certain allure. All you need is imagination. (You may also need cardboard, lots of glue, some servos, Arduino board and this code…)

Connections

Servo motors to 5V, Ground and D2 (Vincent) D3 (Mia) and D4 (Ball)

Laser to D10 and Ground.

Video

Where to go from here

You can add sounds, voices and music using DFPlayer Mini. You can add wind effect with HW094 motor driver, DC motor and 3d printed blades. You can add linear movements with 3d printed servo linear actuators.

Another diorama

View also this Vespa cuckoo clock diorama