The Wizard of Speed and Time (1979)
In the original short film, a young man in a green wizard costume runs throughout America at super speed, much like the superhero The Flash. Along the way, he gives a pretty girl a swift lift to another city, gives golden stars to other women who want a trip themselves. He then slips on a banana peel and comically crashes into a film stage, which he then brings to life in magical ways.
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Thanks for the memories!
Powerful
By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.
Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
As "malcomforbes" has described the content very well, I'll simply try to reinforce the fact that - if you're at all interested in animation (the *real* thing - not CGI) - then you owe it to yourself to see what one man can do with a limited budget and unlimited creativity.The film is short (about 3 minutes) and is divided into two sections, each with its one-word title: "Speed" and, not surprisingly, "Time". Of the two, "Time" is the winner. The first segment stretches on a bit too long, but the second part leaves you wanting another thirty minutes (or more). The stop-motion (single frame) animation is amazing, not only for its smoothness and continuity, but for the synchronized movement of 3 or more tripods or as many as seven lighting instruments on their stands. It really takes multiple viewings to appreciate the details such as the aggressive clipboard slinking away from the Wizard. This is *absolutely brilliant* work! The only regret I have is that I can't find a 16mm film copy. The color intensity in "Time", not to mention the large image possible, are sadly missing from the computer monitor. BUT - *watch it*. You won't regret it.
This independent short film by special effects GENIUS Mike Jittlov could quite easily be the greatest short film ever made. It is about the adventures of a green robed wizard through Los Angeles and beyond. The first half is packed with spectacular special effects work as he runs at Mach 5 around California. He then slips on a banana peel, which causes him to soar into the air, crash landing on an empty soundstage. Then, using the most AMAZING special effects ever, the studio comes to life with dancing tripods, and cascading film cans everywhere. He then sings an explanatory song as to who he is. The song is very catchy, and you will find yourself humming it from time to time upon repeated viewing. The half that takes place in the studio truly demonstrates Mike Jittlov's ingenuity. TO be able to sing whilst surrounded by animated things, he animated his lips frame by frame in synch with music he recorded earlier.