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.
It begins with a sailor from the HMS Incredible (an imaginary ship) kissing his girl goodbye at the train station. Then, the film becomes a dull little documentary explaining how a loved one can write to a sailor--as you have no idea where they are once they're abroad. However, instead of just saying that you send the mail to a post box, you are shown the actual process through which it goes from the mailbox to the sorting location to the ship. Why anyone would want to see all this is beyond me--perhaps it's for Obsessive-Compulsives who insist on knowing. I am just happy enough to know it gets there.
Unlike many of the director's films, this is a live-action film not an animated art film. And, unlike his art films, this one completely bored me and will do the same to any sane person.
It begins with a sailor from the HMS Incredible (an imaginary ship) kissing his girl goodbye at the train station. Then, the film becomes a dull little documentary explaining how a loved one can write to a sailor--as you have no idea where they are once they're abroad. However, instead of just saying that you send the mail to a post box, you are shown the actual process through which it goes from the mailbox to the sorting location to the ship. Why anyone would want to see all this is beyond me--perhaps it's for Obsessive-Compulsives who insist on knowing. I am just happy enough to know it gets there.
Unlike many of the director's films, this is a live-action film not an animated art film. And, unlike his art films, this one completely bored me and will do the same to any sane person.
