The United Kingdom
What does it mean to be British? You might not have a much clearer idea after watching this animated portrait, but you will certainly be entertained
With the ink drying on the Maastricht Treaty, animators across Europe were commissioned to make cartoon calling cards for their respective countries under the title “Know Your Europeans”. Britain’s first animated Oscar winner Bob Godfrey, best known for his work on Roobarb and Henry’s Cat, was chosen to make the UK entry, which he handles with a typical mix of irreverence, ingenuity and humour. Long-term collaborator Colin Pearson contributes the lyrics, with Chris “Red Dwarf” Barrie the voice.
The film was co-produced by Halas & Batchelor, with the Hungarian-born, naturalised Brit, John Halas the main utopian spark behind the project. Eurosceptics might not be surprised that the project fell somewhat short of its original ambitions, and this UK effort was one of the few films completed.
Animation. A satirical look at the nation's foibles. An identity crisis set to music.
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Animated Britain
Since the early 1900s a disparate array of artists in Britain have drawn, sculpted, snipped, stamped, posed, clicked and scratched their art into celluloid life. This collection surveys a stunningly rich history, from the age of the pioneers to the best commercial and independent animators, taking in home hobbyists bitten by the animation bug.
Through its own weird alchemy, animation can bring our wildest imaginings to life, and yet it can also be a powerful tool for exploring our everyday reality. Silly, surreal, sweet or caustic, this dizzyingly diverse selection showcases British animation's unique contribution to the art form, and offers a history ripe for rediscovery.
8 videos in this collection
A Colour Box
Matches
Ubu
Ever Been Had?
The United Kingdom
A Short Vision