Change Your Image
roger.hamilton
Reviews
Cartoon Noir (1999)
A wonderful collection of greater and lesser moments.
Each of the shorts were unique; the only one I didn't really click with was Pitt's "Joy Street", although it was still very well done and I think the loveliest visual work in the film, consisting of dramatic watercolor work (both stills and animation). Technically, Dumala's "Gentle Spirit" is probably the best, generating a real sense of dread with it's animation method, tone, and visual symbols. There is not a single word of dialogue, but it manages to say a lot. "Abductees" was great, impressionistic and playful, while doling out some very haunting moments. "Ape" has to be my favorite short, though. I thought it had the clearest narrative line, and the sharpest twist ending. Overall, "Cartoon Noir" is wonderful work. Not every moment shines, but it is still fascinating to watch.