Dec 24: Christmas Eve

And finally, a Nativity scene as depicted by François Boucher in the 18th century. I will leave these last few posts open until the 26th of December, so you'll be able to answer despite the whole Christmas rush.

Anyway, Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for participating!

What color is the Virgin Mary wearing?

A                       B                      C                      D

Dec 23: Lady and the Tramp

What's the color of the present next to the ball (above Scamp's head)?

A                       B                      C                      D

Dec 22: Maugli - The Russian Jungle Book

If you know me personally, then you are probably aware of my interest in all things Jungle Book. Although as a film critic I could give you a whole list of things that are wrong with Walt Disney's 1967 version of the book it all just doesn't matter to me; I adore it, no matter what.

For this post however, I have chosen some screenshots from Maugli, the Russian series by Roman Davydov. Made between 1966 and 1971 as a five-part series, it was assembled into a 95 minute feature (1973). At the same time, there was also a charming Russian version of Winnie the Pooh.

 Many of the animals have different eye colors that are constant throughout the picture.

Which of the colors A-E correspond with the eyes of the following characters 1-5?

(For example: 1A, 2B,...)

 

1. Baloo

 

2. Father Wolf

 

3. Tabaqui

 

4. Bagheera

 

5. Rama, the bull

 

A                 B                 C                 D                 E 

Dec 21: Tarte aux pommes

(The Think Pink post has just been updated.)


Besides Georges Schwizgebel there are not many Swiss independent animators that are known throughout the world. One of them is Isabelle Favez. Her film Valises is currently in the festival circuit and in Swiss cinemas as a supporting movie. Her minimalistically designed and animated stories (she mainly uses cel action 2D) are heavily inspired by Russian cut-out film makers.

Today, I want to direct your attention to a frame enlargement from Tarte aux pommes (2006), a gentle short about a baker, her cat, a butcher, a hunter and his dog. The blue kitchen reminds me of the birth scene in 101 Dalmatians.

What's the color of the table?

A                      B                     C                    D

Dec 20: Georges Schwizgebel [Updated]

After so much 50s Hollywood, let's turn to contemporary independent animation for a change: La course à l'abîme (1992) is one of Schwizgebel's hand painted masterpieces. Set to music by Gounod ("The Damnation of Faust"), it is one of several of his short films that revolve around a Faustian theme.

In my opinion, this is mandatory viewing not only because of the successful marriage of music and animation but also for its sheer conceptual brilliance.

 

What's the color of the second (black) horseman's hat (upper left corner)?

In case you are new, THIS is how it works. 

A                      B                      C                      D

It was D (yellow):