Yuri Norstein and Tale of Tales: An Animator's Journey

by Clare Kitson

Widely acclaimed as the best animated film of all time, Tale of Tales is a poetic amalgam of Yuri Norstein's memories of his past and hopes and fears for the his post-war childhood, remnants of the personal tragedies of war, the little wolf character in the lullaby his mother used to sing, the neighbors in his crowded communal flat, the tango played in the park on summer evenings, and the small working-class boy's longing to emerge from the dark central corridor of the kommunalka into a luminous world of art and poetry. In Yuri Norstein and Tale of An Animator's Journey , Clare Kitson examines the passage of these motifs into the film and delves into later influences that also affected its genesis. More than merely a study of one animated film or a biography of its creator, Kitson's investigation encompasses the Soviet culture from which this landmark film emerged and sheds light on creative influences that shaped the work of this acclaimed filmmaker.

Genres: Art, Biography, Nonfiction

148 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2005

Reviews

[Jesse Bray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genius among artists Yuri's work is breathtaking and deeply abstract. On of the true rembrandt's of the animation craft. Any animator can learn from this guy about dedication and vision.

[Gijs Grob · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Tale of Tales' is often regarded as (one of) the best animation films of all time. Clare Kitson clearly is a fan, as this book may be part biography of Yuri Norstein, two-thirds of this book are devoted to this particular film only. Can one be too detailed? Yes, one can. Kitson's book is a honest ode to Norstein's work, and the book certainly helps understanding the otherwise rather incomprehensible film. But her writing is also a little exhaustive, especially if you're no fan of this movie yourself (and I'm not).

[Lin]

DNF'd because I struggle to read this from start to finish. Better to browse through chapters occasionally.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweeeeeeet. What a man. Can't wait to meet him in LA. My first encounter with a legend.