Rethinking the Seriousness of Animation

Theory was never something I would consider when watching animation. However, I think from the chapter, I most enjoyed the depth of "Duck Amuck". The reason for my liking is perhaps the understanding. I've seen this cartoon a few times without really analyzing it.

I like the part of explanation given by Jones (the creator of Daffy Duck) about how no matter how much daffy was erased, changed, or whatever. The audience can still associate that it is daffy by the sound of his voice or his catch phrases.

Sound does play a big role in cartoons like the chapter goes on explaining. I agree totally. By watching what we've already seen in class, the atmosphere is determined by the sound in the background, whether the animation is cartoonish or realistic. Like Silly Symphonies vs. Waking Life. I've seen many animations in my life, some serious themes and others just aimed for children. Sound has played a big role in them both.

Watership Down was originally watched by myself because of my love for nature and at that time rabbits. This movie was more on the realistic aspect and with serious tone. Simon and Garfunkel was used in the middle of the movie. Their song 'Bright Eyes' was sad echoing what was going on with a young rabbit searching for his brother, the leader, who was shot by a farmer. The artwork is beautiful with a very realistic drawing of these rabbits, even animated blood. Even though as a child, the blood and the violence frighten me, now I can appreciate the story.

First Homework

It's funny how in all animation classes, things have a way of repeating. We were discussing animation quote by McClaren," Animation is not the art of drawings that move, but rather the art of movements that are drawn. What happens between each frame is more important than what happens on each frame. " We discussed how between each frame is the set up of reality to make an animation. But of course the idea of realism in animation is a specific topic.

I was interested in the descriptions of McCay and his works. I went to find his stuff on youtube andI was able to find some examples of Nemo and others. It felt as though McCay was ahead of his time. The backgrounds of his work, I think, are actual photographs. I was watching "The Centaurs" although it wasn't talked about in the books, I was amazed by how he created the creatures to move through the photo. I think he Rotoscoped the people and created the horsebody, however, it's hard to tell by watching. It was really amazing to see how natural the horse and person movement eyes like real almost. I think he wanted to create realistic animations with his characters much like Disney.

Disney back in the day of his direction was inspiration to all animation, and his realism in animation was brilliant. Of course some may disagree with such movies like Bambi, and others. The art was beautiful then, painterly and gorgeous to look at. I did enjoy the battle of realism and Pocahontas. I'm glad I now know the reason why that scene was cut.

In the first chapter of Art in Motion, Maureen Furniss goes into detail of animaton, it's the movement of anything in film. She uses Jurassic Park as another example. She goes into detail of real vs. abstract. I guess I could agree to that and the chapter is more of an introduction.

Started up a Blog

This is my blog specifically for my 2D animation class. I will post my first entry tonight. I'm testing the waters at the moment.