There’s a lesson to be learned somewhere in this Geoffrey Higham illustrated animation. Probably about greed, I’d imagine. That or it’s part of some anti-social behaviour campaign for primary school children as knife crime, animal cruelty and joyriding are just some of the things going on in this colourful film.
I like the juxtaposition of the wholesome 1950’s setting against the dark lust for wealth. Perhaps we’re watching the birth of consumerism as the cute little boy and girl throw all their morals out the window in a pursuit of nice things. With no regard for consequences, the pair go on a killing spree but all that glitters is not gold and the couple come to an untimely demise, virtually engulfed by their own greed.
There is a false sense of security right from the get go, the intensity of the colours, the bright sunny day feeling and the adjoining words that accompany the pictures all come together to create a happy and safe environment. Indeed, like the comfort you’d expect to get from a cherished educational children’s book. All of these factors remain as a constant, it’s the tone that does all the changing.
The story comes full circle (which I always like) and has a kind of trancelike repetitious energy about it. The modern soundtrack is used to bookend beginning and end and helps bring a contemporary edge to the otherwise dated drawings. No dialogue is used (although the girl can whistle) but you won’t miss it. The way every object has its own name attached is slightly gimmicky but does enhance the overall style. Even if you can’t be bothered to sit and pick out all the sub textual imagery nonsense, it’s still a smart little piece.
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