The short that I’d like to share with you today is called ‘Armstrong’ by Russ Etheridge.
It’s a very eye catching piece on the list of Vimeo staff picks. It tells the story of a heroine solving a moon mystery. As soon as the moon disappears, things start to get a little strange. We anticipate the solution to this mystery thought the film [1].
On Russ Etheridge’s website, she shares that her unique style stems from a place of simplicity. She wishes to remove all the unnecessary and just keep the minimal that is required to tell the narrative.
Moreover, her unique style is the result of hybridising 2D artwork and styles onto 3D structures. The 2D style gives it a unique and refreshing aesthetic, why the 3D gives the short a little more depth. There are also scenes with only 2D which works really well because it’s not jarring. It also fits in with the overall look of them film.
What I like the most about this is the overall look of them film. It’s very unique and has a personality of its own. Moreover, the colour palette chosen really suits both the story and the medium.
The choice of choosing minimal is something that I also incorporated into my graduation film ‘Unique’. I felt the same, in that it lets the audience and myself give attention to the key bones that tell the story. Overcrowding shots may do you very little favour. Moreover, it’s an aesthetic on its own. Exploring a little outside to touch on various different colour palettes and implementing 2D designs into 3D is something that I’d like to try out this summer!
In terms of story, it’s not one that I’m overly keen on. I recently enjoy animations with a bit more depth and meaning. In terms of artistic animation, this would cut it for me. However, something with a bit more meaning would stay with me for longer. I’m still unsure what the message or point of this film is after watching it.
Did you like it? Let me know what you think! 🙂
Until next time,
Katie
References:
[1] Etheridge, R., 2020. ARMSTRONG. [ Video ] Available at: <https://vimeo.com/388446129> [Accessed 1 June 2020].