Norman McLaren was a very prolific Canadian animator who was born in the UK. Most of his films would be described as 'arty' and are pretty much unknown here in the States. However, I've seen several of his films on various DVD collections and I like these sorts of shorts--and was thrilled to see a seven disk set of his work. This particular short is from the first disk.
This film is quite unlike the rest on the disk. First, it is live-action. Second, it is NOT an art film but a very dull documentary short about the production of the latest London telephone book! Not exactly exciting stuff, but I guess in McLaren's case he needed to pay the bills and feed himself! While the camera work is good and I guess it's technically well made, the film suffers from being the dullest topic imaginable. Plus, without music and a dull narrator, this was a real chore to complete! Not among he director's best!
This film is quite unlike the rest on the disk. First, it is live-action. Second, it is NOT an art film but a very dull documentary short about the production of the latest London telephone book! Not exactly exciting stuff, but I guess in McLaren's case he needed to pay the bills and feed himself! While the camera work is good and I guess it's technically well made, the film suffers from being the dullest topic imaginable. Plus, without music and a dull narrator, this was a real chore to complete! Not among he director's best!
