BDM106, Animation History, Aardman Animation, 2 August

•Nick Park - 1989

Aa    
Aardman Animation

"Cr

Creature Comforts

•Pet Hates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGhSxZLT1DY

"Old Bats"

From the voices and the interviewees misunderstanding of words ("cucumbers" for "speed cameras"), they seem to be old ladies.  Did they appreciate being characterized as "old bats" in a belfry turned nearly deaf by their proximity to bells?  Unknown, but hilarious.  The filmmakers take dominant speech characteristics and topics and match them up with the animal that seems to be best suit.  I've heard that accents across the British Isles attract certain stereotypes and as an American, I can't tell if those stereotypes are at play here.  The man that voices the horse shows up across the series as a Police Horse, Guardsman's Horse, Horse in a Trailer.  The series doesn't just poke fun at "normal" people: the super posh and the Royals get their share, as well, in the segments involving Corgis.   The posh accent of the interviewee was perfectly matched with the short little body of the Queen's favourite dog.  

Close up shots are used, mimicking interviews. The camera doesn't move and the lighting is natural.  Each interview segment focuses on a particular topic.  The Police Horse discusses his dislike of drunks in the streets and leaving poo around for them to walk through.  The Bats can't hear what's being asked but do try to put it together.  The focus is on the main character, but there's always somebody in the background doing something subtle that underscores the theme of the episode, or what is being said.  In the case of the corgi discussing  meeting his "love" in a deprived North London pound, the object of his affection is  being distracted by a fly buzzing around it's head.

"Police Horse"

Royal Corgis
Animal Magnetism is my favourite episode: the animals discussing their mates, love and sex.
Monarchy Business