Snakes

About This Movie

So, 'Snakes' from 1943—it's this curious piece of animation that straddles the line between art and propaganda, made during the tumult of WWII. The animation style has a raw, almost experimental feel, which sets it apart from the more polished works of the era. The pacing is a bit uneven; it sometimes lingers on certain scenes, giving it a dreamlike quality, while other moments zip by, leaving you almost breathless. The themes are pretty straightforward, touching on survival and perhaps the fears of the time. What's really interesting is how they used practical effects to bring these snakes to life, a mix of traditional animation and some innovative techniques for its time. Not often discussed, but it surely has its own atmosphere that’s a bit haunting and thought-provoking.

This film is quite scarce, not just in circulation but even in film discussions amongst collectors, making it a hidden gem. Early formats are hard to come by, and many copies have been lost or deteriorated over the years. Interest seems to be rising as collectors discover its unique take on wartime themes, and those who appreciate the quirks of animation history find it particularly intriguing.