Begone Dull Care (1949)
Article 5734 by Dave Sindelar
Date: 4-4-2020
Directed by Evelyn Lambart and Norman McLaren
No voice cast
Country: Canada
What it is: Abstract animation

Abstract animation is displayed over three musical pieces by the Oscar Petersen Trio.

I knew I was going to be reviewing this before I even started watching it due to its presence in the Walt Lee guide, though I pretty much suspected it would turn out to be another entry in the “abstract animation” category. Yet, ultimately, I didn’t mind it at all; I found this one thoroughly delightful. On the DVD on which I have this one, the introductory screen has a quote from Norman McLaren in which he is quoted as saying that abstract animation is at its most delightful when it becomes the visual equivalent of music, and here, with the way the visuals play off the musical motifs, he shows he has a sound understanding of both music and animation. He even has fun with the credits, introducing the short in seven different languages and incorporating the final credits into the music. After all I’ve seen of abstract animation so far, I’m willing now to claim Norman McLaren as my favorite practitioner of the form.