The Brothers Quay - 'Street of Crocodiles'

Twin brothers born in Philadelphia, USA, but worked primarily in Britain. The Brothers Quay, as they are known, owe much to Svankmajer's inspiration which include Street of Crocodiles (1986), which presents a complex vision of a duty, decaying world where the overpowering feeling is one of claustrophobia and Kafkaesque confusion.For all their originality, the Quay brothers' films acknowledge the Eastern European heritage of puppet film -making, a tradition which itself springs from the long and distinguished heritage of the puppet theatre. The Quay brother's successfully a rustic, raw and sinister result by using desposed gaunt puppets.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=uWtaGI9zuIY

The opening sequence is live action, the character enters the screen whistling, immediately adding to the eerie setting of what looks to be an abandoned theatre. The animation is slowly introduced through the close up planning shots, which draw our attention to a rustic machine, which, at a hasty glance would resemble nothing more than theatre equipment. The soundtrack is limited to violins, however this creates a ominous atmosphere and enhances the erratic transitions and temperamental tempo changes.The desolate ambiance and haunting musical score convey a sense of isolation and futility, forcing the viewer into immediate identification with the mute protagonist as he explores a realm of mechanical realities and manufactured pleasures.

Rather than focusing on the general purpose of objects (screws, dust, string), in the majority of shots show the brother's examining the movements an enable the objects to inherit characteristics. I really enjoy watching this animation to follow the protagonist as the story unfolds to reveal an almost passionless cycle of existence. I feel I can relate to this, as from time to time I step back and look at my existence and question myself. Do i make a difference and enjoy my life? or, Do i live in a cycle of recurrences like a TV re-run?

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Cracking Animation by Peter lord and Brian Sibley.