For those who have watched The House, you’ll have been treated to some incredible visuals that will probably have baffled you on how they were created. The attention to detail is second to none as we follow along with three different stories all set within the same house. Its unique form is sure to captivate you and leave you hungry for more stop-motion animation. Taking hours upon hours to even create only seconds of a sequence, stop-motion is one of the hardest crafts to master, but we have seen some beautiful films over the years utilize this filmmaking technique.
A Close Shave
From Aardman Animations comes the most iconic stop-motion duo ever put to film, Wallace and Gromit. Following the famous pair working at their window washing business, A Close Shave introduces Shaun the Sheep to the mix who has gone on to become an iconic image for British TV and cinema in his own right. Aardman is not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves with clear nods to the likes of Thunderbirds, The Terminator, and Indiana Jones. It’s not just the cinematic details that help A Close Shave to stand out but also the incredible detailing within the sets and props throughout the film. Details like the knitting themed wallpaper in the craft shop and the newspaper article headlines which feel quintessentially British make this a treat for all ages.
Corpse Bride
Tim Burton’s name has become synonymous with stop-motion ever since he began his working career in stop-motion animation with short film projects like Vincent. It comes as no surprise that he has ventured back into the medium with Corpse Bride. A perfect blend of Burton’s gothic style with a story of troubled love and commitment issues. Starring the likes of Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, Corpse Bride follows Viktor (Depp) as he attempts to return to the land of the living after accidentally marrying a corpse bride he happens to speak his vowels to in the forest.
The contrast between the bleak living world and the characterful underworld create a desire to remain with those in the world of the dead, conflicting with Viktor’s need to return his arranged marriage with Victoria (Emily Watson) who he has developed feelings for. These character struggles coupled with great songs from Danny Elfman create a greatly satisfying affair worth visiting. While Nightmare Before Christmas is arguably his most famous stop-motion work, Corpse Bride is equally deserving of praise.
Mary and Max
Australian director, Adam Elliot made his feature film debut with Mary and Max after several successful short claymation films such as Harvie Krumpet. Mary (Bethany Whitmore/Toni Colette), as a young girl, sends a letter to America, randomly choosing a name from the New York telephone book. It happens to land at the door of Max (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who struggles to connect with those around him. After some encouragement from his therapist, he writes back and the pair begin to develop a bond. An unlikely pairing and friendship is formed which is a reminder of finding connection and solace in the most unusual circumstances. If you are in search of a movie that has touches of surrealism, fantasy but with an emotionally provoking story of human connection, Mary and Max is sure to be for you.
Anomalisa
From the mind of Charlie Kaufman who wrote incredible films such as Being John Malkovich and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, his 2015 directorial effort Anomalisa offers another fascinating look at the human psyche. Michael Stone (David Thewlis) is an expert in public speaking but suffering from a disorder meaning everyone around him has the same voice and face, brought to life by the fantastic Tom Noonan. When he finally hears and sees someone different he becomes enraptured by Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and attempts to start a relationship with her.
The film is, as with all Kaufman affairs, mind-bending and takes a deep look into how we as humans connect with each other. The voice performances are outstanding and the use of stop-motion animation is able to perfectly highlight the isolation that Michael feels as he visualizes a sea of faces ahead of him all blurring into one.
My Life as a Zucchini
If you aren’t put off by the title, My Life as a Zucchini is sure to capture your attention with its unique combination of child-like style and darker emotional themes. Following Zucchini, a young boy who has recently joined an orphanage handles loss, making friends and integrating into a new life. A great example of how films suited for children can be used to explore some potentially difficult themes, My Life as a Zucchini helps to highlight the struggles orphaned children can go through adapting to ever-changing circumstances. Written by Céline Sciamma, the director of Tomboy, Girlhood and the recent Petite Maman has found a distinct voice when it comes to the stories of children and My Life as a Zucchini is no exception.
Kubo and The Two Strings
One of the most visually stunning stop-motion films you will find, Kubo and The Two Strings follows the young Kubo (Art Parkinson) as he goes on a journey of self-discovery against his evil aunts, Karasu and Washi (Rooney Mara). Boosting the already incredible voice cast are the likes of Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, and Ralph Fiennes who help to bring to life this unique set of characters. One of the most visually captivating scenes is a battle on a ship during a violent storm which sees the tension raised and the limits of what stop-motion animation is able to achieve. Aside from its visuals the story of a young boy looking for his place in the world fighting against his own family serves as a great starting off point that will keep you hooked.
Isle of Dogs
After Wes Anderson’s first foray into stop-motion, Fantastic Mr. Fox, it comes as no surprise that Anderson would return to the medium that allows him so much control over every element put to the screen. One of cinema's most meticulous directors when it comes to detailing, Isle of Dogs serves to only highlight this perfect marriage of style and substance. In a future where all dogs have been banished to an island, one child goes in search of his missing dog, Spot, and meets a group of canines as they go in search of him. As usual, Anderson has assembled quite the cast, featuring the likes of Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, and Tilda Swinton. A scene of sushi being prepared particularly highlights how the stop-motion format and Anderson’s eccentric style are a great match and a superb use of the filmmaking technique.