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Stopmotion

Stopmotion (2024)

Feb 22, 2024 1h 34m Horror Animation

Ella Blake, a stop-motion animator struggling to control her demons after the loss of her overbearing mother, embarks upon the creation of a film that becomes the battleground for her sanity. As Ella’s mind starts to fracture, the characters in her project take on a life of their own.

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Directed by Robert Morgan

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Robert Morgan
Writer
  • Robert Morgan
  • Robin King
Producer
  • Alain de la Mata
  • Christopher Granier-Deferre

Reviews

Manuel São Bento
8/10

FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://fandomwire.com/stopmotion-review-a-character-study-you-will-hardly-forget/

"Stopmotion stands out as an unforgettable, challenging film, intertwining the art of stop-motion animation with the depth of psychological horror in a narrative as complex as it is disturbing. Although its dense story and unconventional approach are elements distant from the tastes of the general audience, it's a testament to creative power and the exploration of meaningful themes.

The disgusting makeup and repugnant practical effects combined with an equally unsettling sound design, as well as the intriguing study of an artist's obsession and the search for validation, create a truly memorable cinematic experience.

Noteworthy remarks on the exceptional performances of Aisling Franciosi and Caoilinn Springall."

Rating: B+

Feb 21, 2024

Chandler Danier
5/10

Quite the love story to animation and embracing our inner child.

Gore and disturbing footage where it needs to be but I didn't really care about the actors 1/2 way through and I failed to care about the animation 3/4 of the way through. It'll do its job. For me it was the staples.

Jul 24, 2024

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Animation film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Stopmotion presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Robert Morgan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2024, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Stopmotion took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 132 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2024, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Stopmotion shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Princess Mononoke, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Stopmotion subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Akira and Blush: An Extraordinary Voyage explore similar territory, Stopmotion stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 22, 2024
  • Runtime: 1h 34m
  • Revenue: $778,500

Where to Watch

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