Mary and Max

Mary and Max (2009)

Written and Directed by Adam Elliot

Produced by Melanie Coombs

Narrated by Barry Humphries 

This black and white, Stop Motion animated film is based on a true story, based on friendship, suicide, autism, love and chocolate hotdogs. No really, it is. I only came across this film recently and to be honest I loved it. I won't lie, its rather depressing. It has a completely unique and clever way of approaching some of the most sensitive subject matters in film, and life in general. The character designs are brilliant because their appearances reflect their personalities really well. My favourite example of character design in this film, is Max. His exaggerated and tired looking features make his character, somebody who has lived with autism and depression, believable. (There are of course, countless ways this character could have been portrayed, but I think this one fits really well with the style of animation used) This clip I have shown is to me, one of the most important scenes. Max is writing to his pen pal Mary, he is explaining his condition to her. This is so interesting because it is approached from the point of view that we don't usually get to hear this stuff from. I love the fact that some objects are in colour, because they represent certain emotions. The red tassel on his hat, seems to me like his attempt at being happy and adding some colour to his very monotone life. The animation in this film is brilliant because of the attention to detail, but to be honest the main thing that  has grabbed me is the overall mix of such a sad, sensitive story, humour and quirkiness and the fact that it has been shown in Stop Motion. I love how unique it is, and even though at a first glance it could be mistaken for a kids film, it really is not. There is a lot to it, but I think its a really moving and heart warming film.