Birdlings

About This Movie

Birdlings is a fascinating glimpse into the experimental side of animation, showcasing McLaren's early adventures with technology. The 1967 footage captures him and a small crew, including Evelyn Lambart and Rene Pardo, pushing the boundaries of animation with primitive computer techniques. The atmosphere is one of exploration and creativity, highlighting the challenges they faced. The pacing shifts between candid moments and the more methodical animation tests, which have a rough charm to them. It's not just about the finished product but the process itself, and how McLaren's fascination with optical effects influenced his later works like Pas De Deux and Synchromy. There's an authenticity here that speaks to the roots of animation as an art form, even if it feels a bit raw by today’s standards.

Explores early animation techniques.Features historical footage of McLaren and team.A study in the evolution of visual effects.