McLaren in Ottawa

About This Movie

McLaren in Ottawa, a 1949 animated short, showcases Norman McLaren's innovative style. The film has this playful yet contemplative atmosphere, blending animation techniques that were quite avant-garde for its time. It feels like a visual poem, where movement and sound intertwine seamlessly. The pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb the meticulous hand-drawn frames. What stands out is the experimental nature of the animation; it’s all about the rhythm and the flow, creating a dialogue between sound and image. There’s a sense of whimsy, but also a deeper reflection on the urban landscape of Ottawa. It’s unique and somewhat of a time capsule, capturing a specific moment in both McLaren's career and Canadian animation history.

This film is part of a limited collection of McLaren's works, which makes it a fascinating piece for collectors. The scarcity of early animation shorts like this one adds to its appeal, especially among those who appreciate the evolution of animated techniques. Formats like 16mm prints and early VHS releases have circulated, but the original reels are quite rare, elevating its status among enthusiasts of animation history. The film often resurfaces in festival circuits, but finding a clean transfer can be a challenge.