Dialogical Animation and its Future

By:
Mr. Michael Genz
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This paper argues that animation has profound and unique dialogical powers which develop through the carnivalesque. While this is partially present in early animation, it is neither fully recognized nor developed. Today, in an effort to fully develop the potential of animation, we need to historically ground and conceptually explore a fully dialogical animation. In undertaking this, I introduce the theorist Mikhail Bakhtin and his conceptualization of the dialogic and carnivalesque. I then argue that animation can extend the potential of Bakhtin's ideas further than he could by using literature. To lay out the possibilities of a fully dialogical animation, I focus on the artists Hayao Miyazaki, Jan Svankmajer, The Brothers Quay, Jiri TRNKA, and Oskar Fischinger. I then use the work of William Kentridge and myself to show the potential for an animation that rethinks the possibilities of a fully dialogical art.


Keywords: Dialogical Animation, Carnivalesque, Rethinking Animation, Theory Applied to Animation
Stream: Analysing Artforms
Presentation Type: 30 minute Paper Presentation in English
Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Mr. Michael Genz

Instructor, Department of Art, School of Liberal Arts, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
USA

Michael A. Genz is an instructor of animation at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Edinboro's animation program is ranked among the top 15 traditionally-based animation programs in the United States. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Edinboro University and also attended California Institute of the Arts. He eared his Master of Fine Arts degree from Maine College of Art. Prior to his academic career, Michael was a character animator for 15 years for Walt Disney Feature Animation, Warner Brothers Classics, Walt Disney Television, and Kroyer Films. His film credits include: The Lion King, Tarzan, Mulan, Hercules, Pocahontas, The Little Mermaid, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? His current work includes the investigation of dialogical animation and the use of art as therapy for victims of domestic abuse.

Ref: A06P0206