Out Of The Inkwell: Max Fleischer And The Animation Revolution
by Richard Fleischer /
2005 / English / PDF
2.8 MB Download
Max Fleischer (1883–1972) was for years considered Walt Disney's
only real rival in the world of cartoon animation. The man behind
the creation of such legendary characters as Betty Boop and the
animation of Popeye the Sailor and Superman, Fleischer asserted
himself as a major player in the development of Hollywood
entertainment. Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and the Animation
Revolution is a vivid portrait of the life and world of a man who
shaped the look of cartoon animation. Also interested in technical
innovation, Fleischer invented the rotoscope―a device that helped
track live action and allowed his cartoons to revolutionize the way
animated characters appeared and moved on-screen. In the 1920s,
Fleischer created a series of "Out of the Inkwell" films, which led
to a deal with Paramount. Their character KoKo the Clown introduced
new animation effects by growing out of Fleischer's pen on-screen.
As the sound revolution hit film, the studio produced shorts
featuring the characters interacting with songs and with the
now-famous bouncing ball that dances across lyrics projected on the
screen. Max Fleischer's story is also one of a creative genius
struggling to fit in with the changing culture of golden age
cinema. Out of the Inkwell captures the twists and turns, the
triumphs and disappointments, and most of all the breathless energy
of a life vibrantly lived in the world of animation magic.
Max Fleischer (1883–1972) was for years considered Walt Disney's
only real rival in the world of cartoon animation. The man behind
the creation of such legendary characters as Betty Boop and the
animation of Popeye the Sailor and Superman, Fleischer asserted
himself as a major player in the development of Hollywood
entertainment. Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and the Animation
Revolution is a vivid portrait of the life and world of a man who
shaped the look of cartoon animation. Also interested in technical
innovation, Fleischer invented the rotoscope―a device that helped
track live action and allowed his cartoons to revolutionize the way
animated characters appeared and moved on-screen. In the 1920s,
Fleischer created a series of "Out of the Inkwell" films, which led
to a deal with Paramount. Their character KoKo the Clown introduced
new animation effects by growing out of Fleischer's pen on-screen.
As the sound revolution hit film, the studio produced shorts
featuring the characters interacting with songs and with the
now-famous bouncing ball that dances across lyrics projected on the
screen. Max Fleischer's story is also one of a creative genius
struggling to fit in with the changing culture of golden age
cinema. Out of the Inkwell captures the twists and turns, the
triumphs and disappointments, and most of all the breathless energy
of a life vibrantly lived in the world of animation magic.