During this period when it would seem that edgy, dark, if not ''controversial" animations are the 'IN' thing to submit into these sort of animation festivals, I was pleasantly surprised to see an animation such as this, let alone one that would actually win an award! (I have been yelling over this for months now, to be quite honest, just ask Anna!)
Guida, a sweet lady who has been working as an archivist at a Courthouse for 30 years, has her routine changed when she sees a newspaper ad about life drawing classes in a cultural centre of the city. Through the main character's creative sensibility, the short film offers a reflection about the artistic inspiration recovery process, art as a transformation agent and the concept of beauty.
From the moment I saw the opening to this animation and the sweet music that played along with it, I just knew that this was going to be one of my most favourite animations from the festival (And the more I think about, the more sad I am knowing that I won't be able to attend next year's festival...). This truly was the epitome of character animation, bringing out the beauty of a character such as Guida. From her sweet, dreamy expressions (It would notably change at certain times, from a more haggard look to a more youthful one) to her elderly but still willowy if not graceful frame. I absolutely adored the various depictions of the character that were contributed by other artists, that were shown in the opening and closing sequences.
And to think that the entire animation itself was traditionally hand drawn just further adds to its overall appeal. Some compositing was obviously done (And by Iara Guedes), but other than that, each frame was lovingly hand drawn by Rosana Urbes. Each squiggle giving loving life to the character herself that makes my heart swell with warmth the longer I look at her. Speaking of the creator herself, Rosana Urbes has actually worked as an assistant clean-up animator on Mulan (1998), an assistant animator for Kuzco Llama in The Emperor's New Groove (2000) and an assistant clean-up animator for Nani in Lilo and Stitch (2002). Come to think, a tiny bit of "Disney" quality can be seen from the animation short itself, the more I think about, albeit of course, with a much more personal touch from Rosana herself. Based on her more personal works, very much like Guida, Rosana has a considerably loose looking art style, which especially suits the animation itself, especially during the life drawing scene.
There is just so much life placed into this character that it's incredible. And it really goes to show you that a simpler story can outdo one that attempt to be too deep in their meanings.
No comments:
Post a Comment