Vincent Analysis

By Adam Burton

Background

• The stop motion, short horror film featurette was created in 1982 by the director Tim Burton.

• At approximately six minutes in length, the product falls firmly into the short film category along side Burton’s other popular short film, Frankenweenie with a slightly longer running time of thirty minutes.

• Narrated by Vincent Price, the film uses intertexuality to establish genre.

• Despite being firmly horror I wish to create the same level of uneasiness within my own production.

Animation style• Throughout the film the use of shadow, patterns and perspective truly

creates a sense of uniqueness and individuality. One particular element I find particularly inspiring is the presentation of the protagonists thoughts. Instead of overtly telling the audience the dreams and aspirations, the moving shadows portray them.

• The art style is also replied upon to convey Vincent’s twisted take on the world. This creates a effective barrier between reality and the dream world. As the option to use some animation within my piece is getting considered this blurring of different cinematic techniques is giving me further knowledge on the subject

Composition

• As the primary focus on the short is on Vincent, a young child, Burton has toyed with the idea that Children see adults as towers individuals who perhaps are not in touch with younger people. To portray this the face of Vincent’s mother is always out of frame.

• Some critics believe that, since the only other person shown is his sister, that it is meant to represent how adults do not have any imagination. This kind of underlying message is definitely something I wish to bring to my own product.

Soundtrack and Narration

• As well as stylistic visuals the short film also relies upon the soundtrack to deliver a gothic feel to the audience. From the very beginning of the short ambient eerie music is used to set the tone and as the narrative progresses, the music track adapts to conform with the increased tension.

• The use of a narrator allows the film to convey the protagonist’s true thoughts and feelings. Furthermore as voices are not used it distances the relationship between Vincent and his family