I know that my summary sounds pretty harsh, but in the history of animation, the 1960s were not particularly good...no, actually this period sucked. Unlike animation of the 1940s and into the 50s, these "modern" cartoons emphasized splashy backgrounds over meticulously painted ones. They also used very low frame-rates--also for the sake of economy. I know that my rather harsh reviews of many 1960s cartoons may put off some people, but the bottom line is that technically speaking, they are rather ugly and haven't the timeless quality of earlier cartoons.
THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT ("Le Maison de Jan-Jacques") is indicative of this newly discovered economy in animation. While it has the same low frame-rates and splashy (i.e., cheap and simple) backgrounds, it has the distinction of being Oscar-nominated--meaning its among the BEST of the year--which is a tad sad.
The film is a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk but instead of the traditional story, it is set in the present age of industrialization. Jack is a working class drone and once he climbs the beanstalk, he finds that Mr. Giant has a motivational mirror--one that tells you that you are the best and the strongest and the most talented. With this mirror, Jack is able to become rich and successful and miserable.
The moral of the story is that money and power suck. It's not a bad tale but certainly not a great one. Adequacy, at best, is its hallmark.
THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT ("Le Maison de Jan-Jacques") is indicative of this newly discovered economy in animation. While it has the same low frame-rates and splashy (i.e., cheap and simple) backgrounds, it has the distinction of being Oscar-nominated--meaning its among the BEST of the year--which is a tad sad.
The film is a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk but instead of the traditional story, it is set in the present age of industrialization. Jack is a working class drone and once he climbs the beanstalk, he finds that Mr. Giant has a motivational mirror--one that tells you that you are the best and the strongest and the most talented. With this mirror, Jack is able to become rich and successful and miserable.
The moral of the story is that money and power suck. It's not a bad tale but certainly not a great one. Adequacy, at best, is its hallmark.