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 CARTOON
NOIR (First
Run Features) Animation Compilation. 81 minutes. NR. Fans of artsy
fartsy animation will surly enjoy this video made up of 6 shorts from
around the world. First up is a 5 minute black and white clip about a cat and
his love for the moon. Next is “Club of the Discarded” which is about
an old warehouse filled
with discarded mannequins. The mannequins are happier than pigs in slob
until a crateful of “new age” mannequins are dropped off. The two
groups go at it like cats and dogs. The next two, “Ape” and “Gentle
Spirit,” I just didn’t get. I am not good with all that symbolism
crap. “Abductees” brings together five NY based individuals
experiences with being abducted by aliens. Finally, “Joy Street” is a
24-minute ride with a severely depressed woman who attempts suicide.
You’ll be surprised at who saves here.
As far as I’m concerned, the
highlight of this cartoon comp is “Club of the Discarded.” Although
not intended to scare, this short, which is puppet animation, absolutely
freaked me out. I will suffer from countless nightmares due to this baby.
I honestly believe there is something eerie about mannequins anyway, but
these mannequins are down right frightening. Made by Jiri Barta in 1989,
“Club” depicts the differences between the Soviet raised generation
and the new western style rebellious crowd in the Czech society. Also
worth noting is the ever depressing “Joy Street,” made by American
Susan Pitt, and “The Story of the Cat and the Moon.” The art work in
“Gentle Spirit” is phenomenal, but I missed it’s point completely.
The other shorts are ok, but I really don’t feel like explaining all the
symbolism crap they project. I probably misinterpreted them anyway. If
you’re looking for humor, go away. If you’re looking for cool
animation with a meaning, this one’s for you ol’ chap. Umm, I just had
visions of those mannequins again. Someone please hold me, please…-
Denis Sheehan
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