Responding to Animated Short Films

 

Ah spellbound, my favorite of the three short films. I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to just list the stuff I noted and tack on some explanation, so:

Early in the film, there is a pan across a trophy case. This gives a feeling of calmness while allowing the audience to soak in the visuals, allowing a juxtaposition against the drawer full of ribbons labeled "you tried".

Later, when the protagonist is sliding down and then crashing off of a railing, the camera follows rather smoothly, followed by an abrupt jolt that gives the audience a sense of impact.

Later, the book forces itself open as the protagonist fights against it, subtly knocking back the camera as well. This adds weight to the visuals.

As the blobby villains congeal into a larger monster, the camera turns to follow the transformation, becoming more ominous. 

Further shots of this monster show informal balance and leading lines, making it clear the the monster is much too viscous to fight.

The small shoemaker, in my opinion, seriously underuses camera movements, even in moments when it would prove strongly beneficial.

The camera could follow the shoemaker as he walks through his shop, could turn towards the competitor as he is forced to run off into the distance, could gently follow the contract as it floats in the breeze. The only use I noted, however, was that is slowly approached the shoemaker as he worked, and only in one instance.

Of course, informal balance and proportion came into play often. The shoemaker is, indeed, very small, and the movie leverages this to its advantage. 

Destiny gave me a headache. Not from its plot or the time-travel mechanics, but from the frequent panicked shaking of the camera. This is a good use for inspiring the desired emotion, but I found it rather nauseating to look at.

Of course, the camera is also subtly moving at almost all times, usually to keep characters in frame or add subtle emotional queues.