The Last Elk

As each elk dies so too does the instrument it is attached to till all is quiet.

The Last Elk re-imagines the story of the last of the wild Irish elk. Each animal is represented by a different musical sound; the elk experience peace, alongside harshness and strife, but always remain harmonious. When the last elk is killed at the hand of man, the music ceases, and the elk becomes a relic of Ireland's natural history.

Written, animated and directed by Alan Shannon.
Produced by Darragh O'Connel and Cathal Gaffney
Music and sound design by Darren Hendley

Year of Production: 1998
Commissioned by: RTE, IFB & Arts Council

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Category:

Film & Animation

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• Brown Bag Films
• The Last Elk
• Animation Company
• short film
• animated short
• film
• Animation
• Animated
• Oscar Nominated
• Ireland
• Films
• Television
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• beautiful
• natural
• wildlife
• elk
• deer
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• www.brownbagfilms.com
• species
• nature
• Cartoon
• Hunting
• Animals

[GothicsChocolate]

It's great! Wonderful design

except why don't they have heads?

[CaptainSelenewerewol]

Such the simplest animation but its so beautiful..

[MusicAndFlesh]

@GothicsChocolate I believe they may not have heads to show a sense of spirituality with it. To not have something many may consider a necessity to live can give an almost immortal or godly feel and hence make it surreal. I'm guessing they may have gotten the idea from Elk spirits who (I believe in Asia) have no faces. To me they are the spirit of sound or music and once humans realize the damage they have done once it is too late from the fear of chance (as usual) they grieve upon their action.

[blahdeedah]

I can't remember if I've already posted a comment for this..so I'll say it again just in case. I saw this with my brother years ago, late one night, on a channel that doesn't exist anymore. We were children at the time but were both very much struck by the design and story of this beautiful animation. I kept it in mind for years after, thinking I'd never have the chance of seeing it again. So thank you very much for the upload..it's still as wonderful as I remember it. <3

[stethebee]

Absolutely brilliant! 

[rachelpdoylexox]

Got shown this for the first time in IADT when the director came to talk to us. Loved it straight away. So sad.

[CosySister]

It´s so sad...but it was great!

[CiaranBray]

superb!

[elmalacopa]

i wasnt expecting much when i found this video, and it turned out to be a great video. straight into favorites.

[GrimmjowJ3aG3rJaqu3s]

i cried..