George Orwell's novel ANIMAL FARM has long been a favourite of mine, ever since I was forced to read it for English class in school. I admired its depth and simplicity, two things that don't necessarily combine very often. This 1954 animated film came out soon after the novel was released, and it has its moments but is a bit of a disappointment if you've read the book.
The animation is probably the best thing about it; ANIMAL FARM has a distinct look to it and the animals are all well drawn and complement each other nicely. I admire the viciousness of the production; the darkness of the book is well retained here with lots of gory mayhem. It's also an ultimately depressing production, which is as it should be. One thing I didn't like was the ponderous narration, constantly telling us what to think and feel; films which show instead of tell are always better.
The main problem with ANIMAL FARM is that the CIA co-financed the production and, unfortunately, interfered with the material. Thus the portrayal of Snowball is different to in the book; he's less sympathetic here. Also, for whatever reason, that ending is just wrong. It's not enough to spoil the movie, but it's no classic because of these changes.
The animation is probably the best thing about it; ANIMAL FARM has a distinct look to it and the animals are all well drawn and complement each other nicely. I admire the viciousness of the production; the darkness of the book is well retained here with lots of gory mayhem. It's also an ultimately depressing production, which is as it should be. One thing I didn't like was the ponderous narration, constantly telling us what to think and feel; films which show instead of tell are always better.
The main problem with ANIMAL FARM is that the CIA co-financed the production and, unfortunately, interfered with the material. Thus the portrayal of Snowball is different to in the book; he's less sympathetic here. Also, for whatever reason, that ending is just wrong. It's not enough to spoil the movie, but it's no classic because of these changes.