name: Black Soul

made by: Martine Chartrand

year: 2000

link to animation: http://www.nfb.ca/film/black_soul/

Please write about how morphing transitions create meaning in this animation.
click the link watch this animation. for the Paper Do not describe the film but express your

opinion about it. Consider how technique creates content. Make sure to no just make statements, but

to make an argument for your ideas.

Reaction Paper Guidelines for History of Animation
-two pages, approximately 500 words, double spaced.
-Write in the first person.
-All your papers should include the following at the top:
Your Name:
Date:
Title of work you are reaction to:
Creator of the work:
Year it was made:
– Always introduce your reaction with a brief statement about what you watched, and who made

it, even though the information is at the top.
– Give a brief description of what the work is about. Try to sum up what a film is about in

one sentence in your introduction.
Here are some things to consider when looking at work and writing a reaction that you may find

useful. Please do not think of this as a checklist. Only discuss these aspects of the film if

they are relevant. This is really just to help jumpstart you if you are really stuck or trying to

comprehend a more challenging piece of work.
– What did you see/ hear?
– What kind of imagery does the filmmaker use and how does it affect what they are trying to

say?
– Are there historical events that are reflected in the film, either overtly or as subtext?
– Is there an overlying mood to the film?
– How is sound and/or music used? Is it merely “functional” or different from the image on

screen. Does it contrast or compliment the imagery?
– What do you think the filmmaker is trying to say – is it obvious or open to varied

interpretation?
– How does the filmmaker use color, light, or texture?
– How does the technique support the aesthetic or theme of the work? (Imagine what it would

look like animated in a different technique. Does it have the same impact?)
–

How to avoid unintentional B.S.:
-Always put the film in historical context.
– Remember this is not a review. Whether or not you liked the film is irrevelant to the process for

now.
-If in doubt, it is always better to write something short and concise than something padded out

for the sake of reaching 500 words. But if you’re coming up really short, say 300 – 350 words, you

are probably missing something. Keep digging.
– Be specific! Cite any details, plot turns or techniques that stood out and discuss them. Avoid

platitudes such as “The characters showed a lot of emotion.”, or worse, “The animators were very

creative.” (I swear I’m not making these up. I’ve really seen them in papers.) These are vague

statements. The biggest problem with papers in general is that they are often too vague.
-Never, ever, describe something only as “interesting”. Brain surgery is interesting. So is the

Virgin Mary’s face on a piece of toast. “Surreal” is also one of those words that’s been beaten to

death and has lost it’s meaning.
– Don’t dismiss something by saying “I didn’t understand it”. This is not a free pass. Saying

that means you didn’t do the work. If you write about specific aspects of the film it will help.

Chances are there will be multiple interpretations.
-If you are unsure of something please run it by me and I will gladly give you feedback. The goal

of the papers is to make your writing better by developing a better understanding of the work.
-Check your textbook when referring to any technological advances. Confusing them means a

deduction of points. Make sure you understand how something worked before writing about it. There

is a glossary of terms on D2L under Documents.
-Always back up your opinion with a clear and reasoned answer. Remember that your opinion is OK in

small doses, but should not constitute the bulk of the paper.
IN GENERAL MAKE ARGUMENTS NOT STATEMENTS
Example for Statement: This is a cool animation, I like it.
Example for an Argument: In addition to being funny, Steamboat itchy is interesting to me because

of how it refers to the history of animation by utilizing Steamboat Willie as the model.