UPA Films as Case Studies for a Simplified Visual Language in Animation in the 1940s and 1950s

• Published in: Redesigning Animation Vol. 1; pp. 125 - 170
• Main Author: Bottini, Cinzia
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Taylor & Francis Group 2018; Routledge; CRC Press LLC
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Animated Cartoons; Modern Graphic Design; Limited Animation; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Dufy; Opening Credits; Flat Hatting; UAW; Animated Short; Piano Roll; HUAC; Lion Hunt; Gerald McBoing Boing; Visual Solutions; Sound Effects; Raoul Dufy; Bobe Cannon; Audiovisual Style; Kiwi Bird; Tv Commercial; Industrial Films; Secondary Room; Begone Dull Care
• ISBN: 9781351209595; 1351209590; 9780815381792; 0815381786; 9780815381785; 0815381794
• DOI: 10.1201/9781351209595-4

UPA animated cartoons express a simplified audiovisual language consisting of stylized layout designs, asymmetrical compositions, colors applied flatly and in contrast with each other, limited animation and a minimalist use of sound effects. All these audiovisual stylistic features are masterly combined in all types of UPA productions: educational and training films, TV commercials, theatrical releases, the TV show and the animated feature film. This chapter presents selected UPA films that are examples of a simplified audiovisual language in animation: these animated cartoons are analyzed as case studies in order to see in which terms UPA was a groundbreaking studio. It is clarified how UPA productions incorporated Modern art and Modern graphic design into the animations and how this resulted in highly original audiovisual styles. This analysis defines how UPA laid the foundations for a Modern animation. This chapter presents selected United Productions of America (UPA) films that are examples of a simplified audiovisual language in animation: the animated cartoons are analyzed as case studies in order to see in which terms UPA was a groundbreaking studio. It is clarified how UPA productions incorporated Modern art and Modern graphic design into the animations and how this resulted in highly original audiovisual styles. More films were to be produced before the Columbia agreement was signed in 1948. UPA animated shots were ahead of the game, anticipating this synthesis in animated cinema that occurred internationally in the industry during the 1950s and 1960s. The success of the series provided financial continuity to the studio, but, with the passing of time, the gags and situations became repetitive and Mr. Magoo lost his original verve. Due to the nature of the Mr. Magoo animated cartoons, the films had to be entertaining to ensure sales to theatrical exhibitors.