Why I recommend this — 1 year ago
This film is incredible! Considered as the first full-length animated film, Reiniger’s silhouette film is a beautiful testament to the meticulous processes now largely ignored through the ease of technology. This film, accompanied by a hypnotic score by Wolfgang Zeller, plays out like a ballet, each silhouette moving in harmony with the other, fluidly covering the small tinted canvas with an exactness that is awe-inspiring. This film is reminiscent of the early nickelodeons :: an experience that gives you the sense of peering into a magical world, especially designed for you. The craft that went into this film cannot be ignored because, in many ways, it’s what creates the sense of wonder. Similar to the feeling a child (or adult for that matter) feels when holding a music box, this movie, through its craft and execution, places a little bit of mystery in your hands and invites you to partake in a mesmerizing journey that highlights the incredible creativity of its author.


Comments
ShipwreckMazuma
Minnesota
Awesome movie!
I taped this years ago when TMC was having a classic fantasy marathon. This, some movie about Atlantis whose title I can’t remember right now, and Clash of the Titans all on one tape. There were others that evening too. Prince Achmed was literally awesome! My then youngest at the time was only 5 and she loved it even though she couldn’t read the subtitles. When I picked up the 30’s version of Thief of Baghdad two years later she immediately recognised the stories as being the same! I think I might pop this one in for another watch this weekend – it’s been a few years.