Canon

About This Movie

So, 'Canon' from 1964 is this fascinating exploration of the musical form, illustrated through animation. It opens with a playful take on 'Frere Jacques,' with these geometric cubes that dance and interact on a checkerboard, which is quite mesmerizing in its simplicity. Then it shifts to these little humanoid figures in the second sequence, echoing the same rhythmic patterns but with a distinctly different charm. The pacing really allows you to soak in the visuals alongside the music, creating a unique atmosphere. It's not just an animated short, it's like a visual study of music itself. The practical effects are intriguing, considering the era, and there's something almost hypnotic about the way everything flows together.

Finding 'Canon' can be a challenge, given its limited distribution and the obscurity of its director. As a piece of animation history, it’s not something that pops up often in collector circles, but those who appreciate the intersection of music and visual art tend to seek it out. Original prints and any special editions have become something of a rarity, which only adds to its allure for collectors interested in niche animated works.