A still image from "Prologue" |
But such tales of heroes are the exception. Generally, most artist’s powers begin to fade by late middle age. Or their skills freeze into a stylistic era that quickly looks outdated. The normal process then is to channel one’s creative drive in other directions: supervision, instruction or writing (in my case, all of the above).
But Canadian/British animator Richard Williams never did things by the normal process. At the age of 82, the Master's drawing skill seems more in power than ever in his latest endeavor, the short film Prologue.
A still image from "Prologue" by Richard Williams |
Meant to be an introduction to his eventual setting of Aristophanes' Lysistrata, Prologue is anything but a comedy. Greek warriors engaged in brutal graphic combat. Children cry as the warriors spill their blood on the Field of Mars. Warning: this is not for the squeamish, or for those expecting something more like Spongebob.
But we recognize the graphic effect is jarring all the more because of the superb technique in play. Here is Hand Drawn Animation in its purest form. No distractions of color, effects or landscaping. The thick-thin, feathered pencil line as elegant as in any Chinese brush painting. It is pencil art, alive for all to see. For many of us who enjoyed Glen Keane or Milt Kahl’s rough animation tests even more than the finished film, this is a delight. For those who bemoan the loss of quality character work in mainstream animation as a consequence of the Digital Revolution, then rejoice. This film is your avenger.
Richard William showed us animators the way back in the 1960s with his film titles and commercials. He showed us the way in the 1970s with A Christmas Carol. He showed us the way in the 80s with Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.
Now the Old Master shows us he is not done yet. After all these years, he is still taking us all back to school, and showing us how it is done.
Bravo Dick."
---Tom Sito
Such a great review - makes me want to see the film much more than before. I really loved the beginning and mention of other great artists drawing till they could.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! The most inspirational and daring work I've seen in far too long. So glad to see him pushing past long standing barriers.
ReplyDeleteHonoring the greatest hero and master of animation.
ReplyDeleteThe skill involved in Prologue is truly beyond and above exceptional! The animation is as smooth as silk!
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