Inspired by Chico Hamilton, Shearing Animation explores both the simplicities and intricacies of animation and how it relates to music. Through very fluid visuals, Hamilton’s music is brought to life by Jim Henson in exciting and enticing ways.
This sounds incredibly strange, but the series of shapes and colors made me hungry. Some of that may speak to the fact that I hadn’t yet eaten, but it also comes as a result of how delicious the images are. Throughout Shearing Animation viewers are tasked with coming to terms with their own understanding of what is occurring, and the loose shapes and ever-changing colors allow for a wide range of takes on Henson’s short film. As I rewatched the short film I found images that reminded me of peas and carrots, waffles, blueberries, etc. Intentional or not, even if Henson had no idea that people would see Shearing Animation this way, there’s a parallel drawn between music and food.
There’s always sort of been this parallel between the two things, but Henson brings out this more obvious, beautiful parallel between the two, and viewers are able to make connections like never before. As the vibrant colors transcend the screen, there are a series of things that might be taken away: the simple beauty of music, the artistic talent of Henson, or the understanding of the role that food plays in our lives. Healthy or unhealthy, food plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day lives, and Henson’s visuals bring that sentiment to life. Again, what could potentially be viewed as anything appeared to me as food, and that says something about the way in which Henson creates cinema. He does a wonderful job of appealing to the masses and finding ways to reach a wide audience. Shearing Animation does a wonderful job of making this true once again, and the world is taken by storm as Henson expresses himself using simplistic art and beautiful sound.
Beyond what viewers might see in the visuals present on screen throughout Shearing Animation, there is something that I believe every single person can take away from Henson’s project. That thing is happiness. Even with the sound of the banging drums, Shearing Animation has a very serene feeling from beginning to end. The short film is welcoming, and it provides viewers with a sense of solace. Henson’s film allows viewers to sit back and relax for the extent of the experience (this is more than simply a film–it truly is an experience). Shearing Animation attacks your senses in the most calming of ways, and it invites viewers to take a deep breath and exhale the negativity from their lives. I'm not necessarily a proponent of meditation, and that’s simply because it’s not something that has ever worked for (or even made sense) to me. However, Shearing Animation feels like an effective form of meditation; it’s therapeutic, and I think everyone has something to gain from this film.
How does one touch the world in less than two minutes? If Henson were alive, I think I’d like to sit down with him and explore this question–because he has, time and time again, found ways to encourage and heal his viewers with things that may not initially appear capable of doing so. Shearing Animation is a perfect example of what Henson was consistently able to create throughout his career, and it has something for everyone. Do yourself a favor, take two minutes out of your day and appreciate the beauty of Shearing Animation.
Written & Directed by Jim Henson.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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