Understanding Animation

by Paul Wells

First Published in 1998. Understanding Animation is a comprehensive introduction to animated film, from cartoons to computer animation. Paul Wells' insightful account of a critically neglected but increasingly popular
* explains the defining characteristics of animation as a cinematic form
* outlines different models and methods which can be used to interpret and evaluate animated films
* traces the development of animated film around the world, from Betty Boop to Wallace and Gromit .
Part history, part theory, and part celebration, Understanding Animation
* notes towards a theory of animation
* an explanation of animation's narrative strategies
* an analyis of how comic events are constructed
* a discussion of representation, focusing on gender and race
* primary research on animation and audiences.
Paul Wells' argument is illustrated with case studies, including Daffy Duck in Chuck Jones' Duck Amuck , Jan Svankmajer's Jabberwocky , Tex Avery's Little Rural Riding Hood and King Size Canary ', and Nick Park's Creature Comforts . Understanding Animation demonstrates that the animated film has much to tell us about ourselves, the cultures we live in, and our view of art and society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Art

280 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 1998

Reviews

[Gijs Grob · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 'Understanding Animation' Paul Wells tries to apply art theories to the field of animation. The book's raison d'être is to ignite more scientific research on animation film. In that respect this is a rather high brow, difficult to read book, with topics like the definition of realism in animation, narrative strategies in animation film, means to evoke laughter, gender and race issues in animation, and the relation between animation film and its audience.

Wells clearly is a fan of the medium, and the book's highlights are the analyses of a wide range of animation films, from old to new, classic to experimental. One often immediately wants to watch these films. Also entertaining is the last chapter in which Wells analyses his interviews with British film festival visitors about their (often very early) experiences with Disney features.

Unfortunately, Wells occasionally falls into the trap of over-analysis, detecting more symbolism in films than ever intended by their makers, and the book at times suffers from posturing, all too typical for the art theory field. He also makes some historical errors, but these are minor and do not disturb the discourse.

In all, 'Understanding animation' is an interesting stepping stone into the analysis of animation as an art form, and thus an important book, if not for the average animation film fan.

[MFaiz Taqiuddin]

for the thesis

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for my animation class. I enjoyed the analytical survey in regards to animation techniques that can be used in practice, but some of the more broad concepts the author tackled in terms of the subject matter and thread lines between numerous films lacked in either relevancy or theoretical backing. I did, however, take a lot away from the author’s insight into tricking the eye and our brain’s perception of a drawing/movement vs. what is actually shown, and applied some of these concepts to my own animations!

[Sandra C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is seminal for any researcher in Animation studies. For such a broad analysis of Animation it lingers a bit around some of the main producers and not enough around some of the most important independent creators of all times.
It is an amazing research job and I am very happy it exists and using it in my own research - along with virtually every researcher in this restricted field.

[Ronny Sutanto · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as research for my speech about how Animation is not just for kids. I got a lot of good info.

[Ondřej · Rating 2 out of 5]

awful. dojmologie.

[Keke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of animation is actually very fascinating and this is a book that covers that history pretty well for a beginner.