Norman Mclaren Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Animation can explain everything - if you're careful. Animation can lie convincingly; make the unbelievable believable; make the impossible possible. It is factitious and fallacious, fraudulent and fascist... it has no limits, and that's the only limitation."

This quote by Norman McLaren encapsulates the dual nature of animation as a medium – it can be both truthful and deceptive. The power of animation lies in its ability to portray any concept or idea, making the implausible seem real. However, this same power can also be misused for deceit or manipulation. Despite these potential pitfalls, animation remains an incredible tool due to its boundless possibilities, which is simultaneously its greatest strength and only limitation.

"The job of the film-maker is to create a living being out of inanimate objects by using movement and sound and time."

This quote by Norman McLaren emphasizes that the role of a filmmaker transcends simple documentation or representation; it involves animating, or breathing life into, lifeless objects through the manipulation of movement, sound, and time. In essence, the process of filmmaking is not just about creating visual or auditory content, but rather bringing inanimate elements to life, imbuing them with a sense of motion, rhythm, and emotion. The end result is a living, dynamic creation that resonates deeply with audiences, transcending the physical boundaries of the screen.

"Film is one means of creating time for people who have none."

This quote by Norman McLaren highlights the transformative power of film. In a fast-paced, time-starved world, cinema provides an immersive, contemplative experience, allowing individuals to pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in a different reality for a while. Essentially, films offer a precious gift – the gift of time – enabling people to escape, learn, dream, or simply appreciate beauty, when they might otherwise have none.

"The artist must train not only his hand but his eye and his mind. He must be at the same time a craftsman, an inventor, a scientist, and an artist."

The quote emphasizes that being an artist requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing skill development in technical (hand), creative (mind), observational (eye), innovative (inventor) and analytical (scientist) aspects. This holistic approach is crucial for artists to create unique, impactful, and groundbreaking works that push the boundaries of their craft.

"Animation is like playing with time, like playing with an infinitely flexible material. You can do anything you want; the only thing you cannot do is nothing."

This quote by Norman McLaren emphasizes the creative freedom and flexibility inherent in animation. He suggests that animators have the power to manipulate time at will, much like a sculptor molding clay or a painter applying colors on a canvas. The only constraint is not being able to do nothing; every frame, every movement, every aspect of an animated work demands attention and purpose. This quote encapsulates the transformative potential of animation as an art form, highlighting its ability to breathe life into ideas and bring them to dynamic, tangible existence.