Automania 2000 (1964)

An animated, dark satire of America's automobile-obsessed, consumerist culture. An anonymous, brilliant scientist toils tirelessly in his ivory tower satisfying the public's ever-increasing... See full summary »

Director:

John Halas

Writers:

Todor Kolev (suggestion), Györgyei (suggestion)

Star:

Ed Bishop

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins.

Cast

Credited cast:
Ed Bishop	...	Narrator (voice)

Storyline

An animated, dark satire of America's automobile-obsessed, consumerist culture. An anonymous, brilliant scientist toils tirelessly in his ivory tower satisfying the public's ever-increasing demands for novelty and status consciousness, with predictable environmental consequences.

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Plot Keywords:

scientist | consumerism | car | independent film | 

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Genres:

Animation | Short

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 June 1964 (UK)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Halas and Batchelor Cartoon Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

9 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Dated animation and an exaggerated point but it is an effective point that is more applicable today than it was then

The year 2000; in the past year science has made massive leaps – giving us seemingly unlimited power, the ability to harvest the sea and the ability to make inexhaustible food for all. The same principles have been applied to manufacturing which has sadly overwhelmed the streets with cars. In some areas, families now live in their cars and have been stationary for almost five years now. The film looks back at the development and marketing of the "need" for bigger and better cars that ultimately led them us to this sorry state.

Although the year 2000 is now the past rather than the future as seen from the early sixties this film still makes a valid point and indeed its warning about the roads of materialism and greed us more applicable today than it was then. The film uses an American voice, speaking in glowing "marketing" speak of the progress made, putting a positive spin on everything; this was perhaps an easy ploy but it works and only helps to highlight the danger of chasing the constant dream of material wealth. This is important as they film takes its point to extremes but by use of the narration, the relevance is still obvious and it still made me think. The animation is basic and dated (like a clunky Jetsons?) but it works, with the innocence of the style only adding to the sensation of science marching onwards with a blissful and cheerful lack of foresight.

Overall an interesting little animation that you may find doing the rounds at liberal film festivals as part of a throwback look at commercialism and materialism.