Wallace and Grommit, clever

Nick Park's Wallace and Grommit films push the potentially childish medium of stop-motion animation into sophisticated adult humor. A variety of shorts by Park are showing tonight, sponsored by OFS. The highlight of this show is his masterpiece, "A Close Shave."

It is impossible to discuss Wallace and Grommit without addressing their medium. Stop-motion animation is the process by which puppets are posed, reposed, and filmed frame by frame at an amazingly slow pace, similar to pre-computer animation and cheap flip books. This process allows for the creation of surreal characters, subtle details and fantasy worlds believable to the eye.

The model sets and characters create a miniature world which can be manipulated by its creators, both physically and through the camera, giving a visual effect which is more dimensionally believable to our eyes than cartoon animation. Nick Park's talent lies in using this medium to create a story which is as visually humorous as it is verbally and situationally funny.

Though the characters get themselves into many outrageous situations, the greatest enjoyment comes from watching their animated reactions and expressions. The films are made in such an engaging and clever way that the audience is able to enter the story of these puppets as if it were a live action movie.

We cringe with embarrassment when Wallace's awkwardness interferes with his romantic dreams. And though he is a dog, Grommit becomes as understandable as any human through his expressive ears and eyes, which have a life of their own. Villains like the brute bull dog Preston are truly menacing, while victims such as the cute sheep Sean are endearing through their screen presence and personalities.

Nick Park moves shorts like "A Close Shave" by constructing a make believe world which is believable and identifiable to its audience through its characters and technical surrealism. The mystery, romance and action filled plot ties the visual work into an enjoyable story. Laugh, cheer and cringe, but don't miss the opportunity to get swept away and entertained by these clever shorts.