Binging inspiration

The fifth newsletter is (mainly) about animation

In my article on recovering from perfectionism I talk about the time that I tried to make an animation movie, but ended up never really starting.

Why animation?

Animation as an art form fires me up. It deeply inspires me. It opens up my mind to new and unknown worlds. Namely, the world of the animator. And every world is different.

Every year I visit the same film festival that purely shows animation short-films. These aren’t cartoons for children (although they show those too) but range from political statements to thoughtful artworks to comedic tidbits.

I block out the whole week on my calendar, buy an all-access pass, and immerse myself in the most diverse, imaginative, and moving pieces of art that were made that year.

When I once again stumble back out of the dark theater, with small eyes, a dry mouth and a full bladder, I’m physically drained. But my creative battery is fully charged. It feels like returning from the most energizing vacation, without ever having left my country.

Animation is unique

In animation, every creator gets to show their personal flavor of imagination. It uniquely invites the artist to employ their own individual style.

This is because the term animation covers a wide range of techniques. I like this definition: ‘The simulation of movement created by a series of pictures is animation’ (source).

Since you have to make everything from scratch, every maker can choose how to best represent their story. Be it clay, drawing, cardboard cutting, or anything else you can think of.

This results in a wonderfully diverse medley of movies. Drawn-by-hand, Disney-esque masterpieces, papier-mache puppets, or digitally created characters.

As long as it moves, it’s animation.

Five highlights

While writing this newsletter, the following movies came to mind from the past years of short film-immersion. They all came to mind naturally, because they’ve made an impact on me when I saw them. I didn’t pick them specifically for this reason, but I believe the diversity in style and ideas comes through.

If you’re in need of some recharging and you’re in for a micro-vacation, watch these five movies back to back. It ‘ll take you about 40 minutes. If you’d only like to sample one or two, here are short descriptions and watch-times:

The Pub 7:46

This film actually uses live action footage with animation on top (this is called ‘rotoscoping’). The animation is used to enhance the images and it extends the effectiveness and creativity of the story. It’s as if the animation adds a layer of meaning on otherwise inconspicuous material. It takes us inside the main character’s thoughts and emotions. Sometimes grim, sometimes reflective, and very British.

Joy Stick 3:41

I don’t know if I’m more impressed by the style of drawing, the story, or the complimenting way the music works with the images. Everybody who’s ever been in a relationship can relate to this piece of art. It’s one of the best descriptions of the rocky road that is a relationship between a man and a woman. The ending both feels sad and rings true.

Things you’d better not mix up 2:10

A short, comedic breather before going into the next one, this one makes me laugh all the way through. I just rewatched it back to back several times (let’s call it part research, part procrastination). Keep this one at hand for a simple and effective pick-me-up.

Oh Willy 16:42

The longest of the bunch, but worth your time. Not only is the story poetic, peculiar, and provoking, but the craftsmanship of this movie is out of this world. From the materials used to the lighting and sets. Even if you just watch a couple of minutes just to catch the vibe, you’ll get what I mean.

Benigni 8:05

Weird and dark, but cute and heartwarming at the same time. An unusual short story about loneliness, friendship, and loss. Although it touches on multiple emotions, I still don’t know how I feel about this one. Loved rewatching it though.

Is there an animation movie or short film that you were particularly impacted by or love dearly? Please share.