Patience is DEFINITELY a virtue!

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I recently came across this short animation by Andersen M Studio, which uses around 3000 still images in order to create an extract from Maurice Gee's novel, 'Going West'. I can't believe the amount of patience that must have been required from the makers to produce this! The intricacy of all of the paper cut-outs is so precise and delicate; making it beautiful to watch and unravel the different scenes. The entire film was made by hand, using only paper and 10A scalpel blades, and was filmed with 2 SLR cameras, using Dedo lights to light the pages. I loved how quick-paced the film was and the amount of detail that can be seen in every single cut-out from the pages - they've really done justice to the novel's extract in my opinion! The clever use of lighting helped to add atmosphere and drama to the piece, as well as giving it a very professional finish.

2012 thumbs up!

I won't hesitate to admit that I was a little skeptical on first hearing about this film and seeing the trailers; thinking it wouldn't be "my kind of film" at all. However, after having sat two rows back from the action on the big screen , I can safely say that my initial thoughts were very wrong!

Not normally being a particularly big appreciator of visual/special effects, I was thoroughly impressed with this aspect of the film throughout - I even felt a little unsafe in my cinema seat at some points! The earthquake effects, volcanoes, tsunamis, etc. were all done extremely well and - although perhaps a little over-the-top in parts - made the film seem scarily real. The concept on which the film is based - that the world will end on 20/12/2012, according to Roman predictions - is a strong idea, which people can begin to relate to and think about; creating great discussion and debate (particularly among my housemates!). The director, Ronald Emmerich, encorporates engaging sub-plots during the film which almost allow the viewer to relate closely to the 'everyday' characters. I did feel, however, that some parts were a little ridiculous - in the sense that they were virtually impossible to happen and so seemed a bit 'cliché' when they worked out happily! I'd definitely recommend seeing 2012 overall....just try not to think too much about our potential future....!