Koko in 1999

About This Movie

Koko in 1999 is a fascinating piece from 1927 that showcases the playful and chaotic nature of early animation. The way Ko-Ko interacts with his drawn world feels both fresh and rebellious, as he seems to push against the limitations of the very medium that created him. You can almost feel the spontaneity in the animation, where what happens next isn’t always predictable. The pacing has this lovely, almost erratic rhythm that keeps you engaged. You get this sense of an artist reflecting on their own creations, which feels very modern in a way. It’s a charming little experiment that feels distinctly Fleischer, marked by its creative spirit and the challenges of early animation techniques.

Finding a good print of Koko in 1999 can be tricky, as many copies have deteriorated over the years. Most collectors know this short is part of the larger Out of the Inkwell series, but its individual merits often get overshadowed. Interest in early animation is on the rise, and this piece offers a window into the experimental spirit of the 1920s, making it quite desirable for those who appreciate the history of animation.