Post #4: Visual Storytelling
One of the hallmarks of animation, at least in my own estimation, is its ability to tell a story without the extensive use of dialog. Motions ranging from small, subtle movements in character’s eyes or faces, to large, full body movements can be used to effectively express the entire range of human emotions. There are many examples technique used to great effect throughout the animation industry. Not the least of which come from the masters at Pixar: Luxo Jr., their first film, is a fine example of this, newer examples include Partly Cloudy and the first act in Wall-E.
Of course, motion alone can be used to convey emotion in live action film as well, but this technique hardly ever seems as effective as when it is utilized in an animated picture. I think that this may be due to the exaggerated nature of many characters in animation. It is because of this exaggeration that even the smallest changes or movements become much more evident, thus allowing viewers to be more easily drawn into the moments emotionally. I will evoke the Pixar name once again for an example, since their film Up! contains a brilliant example of this.
Without any dialog, this scene conveys years of emotional connection between the two characters. With just a glance, the feelings of both are apparent in a way that may be impossible for words to properly convey.
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[...] 22, 2010 in Uncategorized For the midterm blog specimen, I choose Post #7: The Uncanny Valley and Post #4: Visual Storytelling. No alterations have been [...]
February 16, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Visual storytelling is an interesting way that animators bring otherwise lifeless objects to life. You’re right, all it takes are subtle movements, and the use of “facial” expressions on objects such as lamps to bring them to life. Visual storytelling also helps the viewer like the object. If it was just a lamp sitting there motionless, the viewer would have no reason to like it in any way. However, when brought to “life,” the viewer likes the lamp because they can now relate to it.