Watch Begone Dull Care

Begone Dull Care is a 1950 experimental animated short film directed by two Canadian artists, Norman McLaren and Evelyn Lambart. It is a colorful and abstract depiction of jazz music, created by painting directly onto the filmstrip and utilizing a technique called "direct animation." The film begins with an abstract blue and yellow background, which quickly begins to morph and change in time with the upbeat music. The colors blend and swirl together, creating a visual representation of the music's rhythm and melody. As the music intensifies, so too do the colors and patterns on screen, becoming more frenzied and chaotic.

The second half of the film features a single white dot moving in time with the music, as lines and shapes dance around it. These more structured visuals compliment the initial abstract chaos, showcasing the range of McLaren and Lambart's abilities.

Throughout the film, the visuals and audio are intricately intertwined, with the visuals seeming to respond to every beat and note of the music. The result is an immersive and mesmerizing experience for the viewer, where every sense is engaged in the art.

Despite being created over 70 years ago, Begone Dull Care remains a groundbreaking and innovative piece of experimental animation. Its use of direct animation was groundbreaking at the time, and it paved the way for future artists to incorporate handmade techniques in their animation.

The film has been praised for its ability to evoke emotion through its abstract visuals and striking use of color. It is also noted for its influence on the development of music videos, with its fast-paced visuals and tight synchronization to the music pre-dating the MTV era.

Begone Dull Care has been screened at numerous film festivals and has won several awards for its artistry and innovation. It remains a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of McLaren and Lambart as artists, as well as their ability to push the limits of animation and create something truly unique and memorable.

Overall, Begone Dull Care is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of animation or experimental film. Its timeless appeal and bold creativity continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.

Begone Dull Care is a 1949 animated movie with a runtime of 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.