Out Of The Inkwell - Modeling (1921)

A wonderful early entry in Max Fleischer's "Out Of The Inkwell" series featuring Ko Ko the Clown. The combination of cartoon animation and live action is every bit as impressive today as it was when this film was first released 86 years ago.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Silent
• cartoon
• animation
• Max
• Dave
• Fleischer
• Koko
• clown
• inkwell

[iCHAINSAW]

This is amazing. I can't imagine how long this could have taken to make. Another thing i can't imagine; is how we have such complex, easy to use, and advanced animating tools...yet we can't even start to replicate how elegant and awesome these shorts are.

[drewh5690]

Much better than the shit now adays

[lotusbandicoot]

@zesrg3

Whoop... yeah, I just remembered the frames were traced drawings of every frame from a real film. The effort people used to put into animating is amazing!

[zesrg3]

@lotusbandicoot Rotoscoping

[lotusbandicoot]

Starting at 2:35, Koko's movements look extremely life-like! Also, I'd have to completely agree with iCHAINSAW.

[ZenPunk]

Any chance you could re-upload this in a higher quality? It would look fantastic I'm sure!

[Ivanatis]

oldies are goldies

[KingRidley]

Man this still creates a more realistic picture than modern CGI.

CGI isn't evil though, and we've come a very long way with it. But I just think we're overusing it. Classic movies that had to create special effects with ACTUAL effects looked better because props were physical objects, explosions were real, and actors had something to actually work with. We need to just rely on it a little less.

[edwin11373]

@31operafan You are correct. Although, one can achieve very good animation with today's tech and much faster, the rotoscoping technique can achieve better results because the application is very manual where you trace by hand the human form, for example. The process though time consuming to today's tech, imitates faithfully every nook and cranny thanks to the "intimate" process. Today, it seems that everyday the artist is moving away from the intimate relationship between artist and materials.

[31operafan]

@edwin11373 Yes, and the technique is still in use nowadays. I don't think you can achieve such lifelike animation without the rotoscope. 

[edwin11373]

@31operafan You do realized that the animated shots used the rotoscoping technique?

[RayPointer]

It is assumed that computers are the answer for everything for those without skill and talent. "TALENT" is primarily what was demonstrated in these films. Computers do not make an untalented person talented. It comes from within the person, and computers are only a tool, not a substitute for talent.