Understanding Animation

First Published in 1998. Understanding Animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. Paul Wells'insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular medium:• explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form• outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films• traces the development of animated film around the world, from Betty Boop to Wallace and Gromit. Part history, part theory, and part celebration, Understanding Animation includes: • notes towards a theory of animation• an explanation of animation's narrative strategies• an analyis of how comic events are constructed• a discussion of representation, focusing on gender and race• primary research on animation and audiences. Paul Wells'argument is illustrated with case studies, including Daffy Duck in Chuck Jones'Duck Amuck, Jan Svankmajer's Jabberwocky, Tex Avery's Little Rural Riding Hood and King Size Canary', and Nick Park's Creature Comforts. Understanding Animation demonstrates that the animated film has much to tell us about ourselves, the cultures we live in, and our view of art and society. Understanding Animation Offers A Number Of Reasons Why Animation Has Been Consigned To The Margins Of Film History And Criticism, And Argues Animation's Case To Be Recognised As A Significant Art Form. Thinking About Animated Film -- Notes Towards A Theory Of Animation -- Once Upon A Time: Narrative Strategies -- 25 Ways To Start Laughing -- Issues In Representation -- Animation And Audiences: 'my Mother Used To Call Me Thumper!'. Paul Wells. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 250-257) And Index. Filmography: P. 262-265. "Understanding Animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. Paul Wells' insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular medium explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form; outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films; and traces the development of animated film around the world, from 'Betty Boop' to 'Wallace and Gromit'"--Publisher's description To animate, and the related words, animation, animated and animator all derive from the latin verb, animate, which means 'to give life to', and within the context of the animated film, this largely means the artificial creation of the illusion of movement in inanimate lines and forms.