With Inside Aardman: Wallace & Gromit and Friends continuing to run at the Young V&A, we take a look at some of our favourite moments that the company has created on screen.
The Train chase scene from The Wrong Trousers:
Bringing to mind many classic chases on trains in Hollywood films, this brilliantly executed capture of the infamous Feathers McGraw offers plenty of laughs and thrills along the way. It also captures the sheer brilliance of the use of stop motion in complete action.
Wallace’s transformation in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit:
This classic moment in the animated film with a playful undertone of horror is impressive in how it captures the technical skill of all those involved with the production of the film. As a film as a whole it provides plenty of little easter egg jokes that children and adults alike can enjoy as the story unfolds. It is a wonderful tribute overall the classic horror films.
The opening sequence to Chicken Run:
What makes this sequence so brilliant is the way in which it sets the scene so perfectly for what we can expect as the story unfolds. With clear references to the classic film ‘The Great Escape’ (right down to the set design) it captures the danger and uncertainty that these plucky chickens have to face when it comes to Mr and Mrs Tweedy. There is excitement and danger throughout this while sequence that just captivates!
Norbit Recharging:
This film has so many highlights to it – whether it is the canal boat scene, the references to James Bond, the way in which Feathers McGraw makes a reappearance it is a film filled with gems. But here it is Gromit’s exasperated expressions in reaction to Norbet invading his room and the way in which he deals with it a classic moment.
The way in which Rocky attempts to break in to Fun-Land in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget:
While offering a different tone to the original Chicken Run film (perhaps due to the change in voice cast putting their own take on the characteers), there is still plenty of fun and laughter to be had with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget – including this scene in which Rocky attempts to break into the infamous fUN-land (which actually has a darker purpose) to rescue his daughter. Once again it highlights the imagination and creativity of all those involved at Aardman.
Creature Comforts:
What makes Creature Comforts so brilliant as a whole is the way in which it uses the publics voices to create genuinely funny moments (not at the public) but at the animal characters that their voices are set against. It feels very human, grounded and charming no matter the animal or the topic of conversation.