#jiri trnka | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

lepetitdragonvert · 5 months

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Légendes et contes d’Andersen

Éditions Gründ

1962

Artist : Jiri Trnka

The Little Mermaid

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dearmouse · 2 months

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Špalíček (1947)

#vintage movies #slavic #jiri trnka

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sacredwhores · 6 months

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Jiří Trnka - The Hand (1965)

#short film #jiri trnka #the hand #ruka #1965

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davidhudson · 2 months

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The Hand (1965), directed by Jiří Trnka (February 24, 1912 – December 30, 1969).

#jiří trnka #jiri trnka #cinema #film #movies #animation

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spinnick · 11 months

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Forest baby sketchdump! Partly inspired by Jiri Trnka animation 💞 Drawn in sketchbook, colored pencils + digital painting in Clip Studio Paint.

#sketchdump #fairies #art #fairycore #animation #sketch #cartoon #illustration #jiri trnka

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the-visual-journey-blogg · 6 months

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Subversive Stop-Motion: "Ruka" (The Hand) - Jiří Trnka's 1965 Masterpiece

By Sofi Ojeda

In the realm of stop-motion animation, few films stand out as boldly as Jiří Trnka's "Ruka" (The Hand), a short film that transcends the boundaries of the medium. Released in 1965, this 18-minute cinematic gem is a testament to Trnka's artistic prowess and his daring critique of the political climate he navigated.

Jiří Trnka: The Puppet Master

Before delving into the subversive world of "Ruka," it's crucial to understand the maestro behind the scenes. Jiří Trnka, born in Czechoslovakia in 1912, was not just a puppet animator; he was a talented thinker who challenged the conventions of animation to transmit a message. His early exposure to puppetry when he helped his grandmother making toys and dolls and his mother who was a dressmaker, combined with the help of a stint under renowned puppeteer Joseph Scoopa, set the stage for Trnka's journey into the world of art, children's book illustration, sculpture and animation.

Trnka's career unfolded against the backdrop of political turbulence. His personal experience of totalitarianism under the communist regime led him create multiple films as critique of the context. On the other hand, his unique human character designs and backgorund style, was an unexpected rebellion too, against the Disney formula (which was the standard at that time), while he was still delving as a 2d traditional animator.

However, in 1947, he transitioned to stop motion, and his subsequent films were nothing short of successes, acclaimed for their aesthetics, previously unseen in the world of animation, in which he consistently engaged in critique. One notable creation was "Song of the Prairie" in 1049, a satirical take on United States Westerns.

"Ruka": A Political Allegory Unveiled

"Ruka" begins with a peculiar character—a potter crafting clay pots in his room. This seemingly innocent setting takes a sharp turn as a giant hand attempts to manipulate the pots. The narrative swiftly unfolds into a political allegory, mirroring the oppressive political regime Trnka experienced.

At its core, the film presents a clash between the potter and the hand, symbolizing the individual's resistance to political interference. The hand, a metaphor for dominant political forces, introduces images of authority, including the Statue of Liberty. Set against the early years of the Cold War, "Ruka" becomes a poignant commentary on political propaganda and manipulation.

As the protagonist resists the hand's influence, the film navigates the character's journey from defiance to submission. The potter is coerced into sculpting a giant hand, a metaphor for the insidious nature of indoctrination. Despite receiving rewards, the character's internal struggle unveils the facade of freedom in a totalitarian system.

Legacy and Impact

"Ruka" stands as a subversive masterpiece in the world of stop-motion animation. Trnka's meticulous control over the animation process, from set creation to frame-by-frame shooting, showcases his technical brilliance as well as fantastic storytelling skills. Despite the ban imposed on the film in Czechoslovakia, "Ruka" garnered international acclaim and won the top prize at the Honesty International Animation Festival. However, this was Trnka's last film, so he was unable to witness its subsequent recognition or prohibition.

Jiří Trnka's legacy extends beyond "Ruka." His influence in animation earned him the moniker "the Walt Disney of Eastern Europe." In 1968, he received the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for his contribution to children's literature.

Despite receiving a warm reception for his work, Jiří Trnka harbored mixed feelings about the privileges bestowed upon him and the reality of living under the political regime. His artistic success was accompanied by a poignant melancholy and a dark undertone, a reflection of the challenging context that surrounded him. This dichotomy in Trnka's emotions adds a layer of complexity to his artistic legacy, showcasing the profound impact that political turmoil had on his personal and creative psyche.

Conclusion: Unveiling the Hand of Political Critique

"Ruka" is not merely a stop-motion film; it is a subversive exploration of political power and individual resistance. Trnka's ability to weave a narrative that transcends the confines of animation cements his place as a visionary in the cinematic landscape. As you delve into the 18 minutes of "Ruka," be prepared to witness a puppeteer's masterstroke that challenges norms, leaving an indelible mark on the world of animation.

*This film was considered a masterpiece, being articulate, meaningful, and masterfully done. You can find it on YouTube or in the video below.

Bibliography

Short film: "Ruka" (The Hand) - Jiří Trnka's 1965

youtube

Video: The Hand / Ruka - Subversive Stop Motion on Youtube: Georg Rockall-Schmidt Official Channel.

Documentary: Jiri Trnka - Czech Puppet Animation Master Documentary, 1967. Director: Michael J. Sudyn

Blog: https://wepa.unima.org/en/jiri-trnka/

Blog: Political oppression and resistance in Jiří Trnka’s Ruka/The Hand (1965) https://www.fantasy-animation.org/current-posts/political-oppression-and-resistance-in-ji-trnkas-ruka-the-hand-1965

#2d animation #Youtube #stop motion #stop motion animation #claymation #animated #animation #animation history #jiri trnka #hand shortfilm #ruka short film #Jiří Trnka

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moazefretter · 1 year

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#jiri trnka

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moonywalker · 2 years

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🔸•🔹•♦️•🔹•🔸•♦️•🔸•🔹•♦️•🔹•🔸•♦️•🔸•

• R U K A (1965)

#the hand #ruka #jiri trnka #short animation

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ilwinsgarden · 2 years

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There is a charming (old) czech children book (later done as an animated series too) Zahrada (Garden) by Jiří Trnka, that I I actually didn't think of for many years, but when I saw prompt Garden in @kattvalk 's Kattober, this book came to my mind and I knew I have to try it (though I might have woke up poor Master Trnka from eternal rest with my scribbling of his master art. My apologies, Master Trnka, I did my best!). The book is about one mysterious garden in the middle of the town where - among other things and peculiar characters - mean cat lives. The picture of him riding a tricycle is probably the most iconic drawing of him. (yes, he's pedalling with one leg and his tail. And I think he was riding backward at the moment :) ) Here is the original drawing from the book. It actually makes me want to re-read the book :).

#kattober #kattober2022 #zahrada #garden #jiri trnka #cat #ilwin's drawings #my drawings

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ani4detal · 2 years

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