Triangle

Erica Russell's Academy Award-nominated "Triangle" depicts human-like figures dancing to assorted types of music, forming all sorts of shapes. It's really too bad that we don't usually get to see the Oscar-nominated shorts; they're some of the most creative (and certainly more interesting than the latest movie that's just two hours of Tom Cruise narrowly avoiding all danger). In my case, I found "Triangle" on YouTube. It's so obscure that there isn't a Wikipedia article about it. The cartoon is nothing masterful or edifying, but it's a nice look at what animation can be. After all, animation doesn't have to be a Disney feature full of celebrity voices.

A most interesting look at dance and choreography which really needs several viewings.

This film is based on almost abstract concepts (the artist's mother is an abstract painter herself) and consists of a stream of movement, derived from three human figures against neutral backgrounds. They are highly stylised and beautifully simplified.

Triangles abound - in the shapes, gestures and movements of the figures, their complex inter-relationships (on several levels, including the sexual), the geometrical patterns on the screen, the symmetries of colours used, even the whole intricate structure of the film.

A fundamental aspect of the work is the great variety of music by Charlie Hart and the way the figures react to, and are created by, it.

Erica Russell grew up in South Africa, and was - as she says - "not exposed to Television". I think this film shows the value of such an upbringing.

This is the poetry of the dance portrayed in wispy figures moving to the music. Some are line drawing. Some are geometric figures. Some are like pieces of painting by Chagall. All are unique and in perpetual motion. Perhaps a bit long but otherwise no criticism.