Ways and Means

About This Movie

Ways and Means is a curious piece in the realm of animation from 1970, missing a clear director but brimming with a unique charm. The tone is playful yet reflective, capturing a certain whimsy that often draws you in. Its pacing feels leisurely, almost dreamlike, allowing moments to breathe and resonate. While the narrative may be a bit elusive, the visuals stand out with their hand-drawn quality, offering a tactile feel that’s hard to replicate in today’s digital age. Themes of resourcefulness and creativity run through it, making it a kind of exploration of ingenuity. You can see the effort in the practical effects, which gives the film a distinct character that sets it apart from more polished contemporaries.

Finding a copy of Ways and Means can be a bit tricky, as it's not widely circulated, which gives it an edge for collectors looking for something off the beaten path. Most available formats are from older VHS releases, with few if any modern restorations. Interest in this title seems to ebb and flow, but its distinctive style and atmosphere do tend to attract collectors who appreciate animation's more obscure entries, especially those that reflect on creativity.