FMP: Films (Primary Research)

I found The Science of Sleep (2006) by Michel Gondry to be really helpful in confirming ideas of dreams being a method of escapism, detaching ourselves from reality in order to live out our desires. One visual feature that particularly stood out to me was the constant switching between live action and animation, but also the simultaneous use of both mediums. The transition between each medium is an effective way of destinguishing between dreams and reality.

I enjoyed the way objects were represented during the animation scenes e.g. cardboard cutouts, plastic/cellophane and fabrics. The imagined scenes all use hand-made environment and objects, this suggests that what we are viewing is a "hand-crafted" idea (personal touch).

In regards to my project, this film has opened my eyes to a few different animation possibilities. I could incorporate live action, or create something more arts and craft, a stop motion perhaps. Conceptually, it relates well as the protagonist processes a desire to control his dreams (Stephane), he wishes to dream about Stephanie (his love interest).

Paprika (2006) by Satoshi Kon is a Japanese animation that links strongly with my project's concept. It focuses on this devise, which allows us to share dreams with each other and influence the content of said dreams. What really intrigues me about this film is the transitions and how bold it is visually. I can't say that the storyline gripped me, but it was definitely hard to look away from as their was so much to take in, so much detail. I also enjoyed the very obscure merges between what was reality and what was a dream state.I think thsnobscurity help draw me into the story. 

If I were to take anything away from this film it would be trying to incorporate clever transitions in my final animated piece.

Other films that I watched, such as A Nightmare On Elm Street (1984) by Wes Craven and Eraserhead (1977) by David Lynch, we're a little too dark. This is the opposite direction to which I would like my project to go. As I am focusing on the idea of dreams being a method of escapism I would like my final animation to excude a more euphoric flavour.