by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What is the most inspiring form of expression in film? That’s quite the subjective question, but how can you not say stop motion animation? This is the most meticulous and challenging technique in all of film. The ability to slowly move objects to slightly new positions and take shots at every frame takes so much patience and commitment that I am not even sure Thanos would have the will to do it. But Shudder’s new animated feature, Mad God, just might take the cake. Legend of stop motion, Phil Tippett, has worked on this film on and off for 30 years. 30 YEARS. What? Now the film is finally seeing the light of day thanks to this genre specific streaming service.
But what is so impressive about Tippett’s film? The film is almost devoid of dialogue. Not only is it stop motion, but it is almost completely told through visual storytelling. This side of Shaun the Sheep, this is unheard of. But the difference is the pure scale and boldness of this tale. Mad God features one of the most impressive, fully realized dystopias in all of film. Trust me… it is no exaggeration. I am not sure how they accomplished a big and bold world. The landscapes are grotesque and horrifying to boot. This film is not horror due to jump scares or other quick tricks. This horror is produced by the sheer force of what we see with our two eyes.
Narratively, what does Tippett offer up? This might be where the audience can get lost in the wonder of the film. A lone assassin is sent down a diving bell into this haunting hellscape with a mission: to destroy the disturbing and disgusting ruler of this crazy world. The film can be seen in a few distinct parts. Most of the story focuses on this assassin taking in this haunting place, both the landscapes and the creatures that inhabit it. Then you have a prolonged torture sequence that is shockingly long and gory for a stop motion film. Then there is the finale… this is surely where the casual audience will drop off. This is a beautiful and horrific metaphor for the destruction caused by humanity. It is so visually striking and artful… I couldn’t look away.
Is this film for everyone? Honestly… no. This will be a tough go for those who are invested in story and characters. Then who is this film for? Viewers who long to see what a film can truly do with pure cinema alone will find great value in their experience with Mad God. This is for the cinephiles and animation aficionados out there. There are also plenty of horrifying visuals that can fill the plates of horror out there.
Grade: 9/10
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