Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and the Animation Revolution

Fleischer, Richard

ISBN 10: 0813123550 / ISBN 13: 9780813123554

Published by University Press of Kentucky, 2005

Seller Inventory # newMercantile_0813123550

Synopsis:

Max Fleischer (1883–1972) was for years considered Walt Disney's only real rival in the world of cartoon animation. The man behind the creation of such legendary characters as Betty Boop and the animation of Popeye the Sailor and Superman, Fleischer asserted himself as a major player in the development of Hollywood entertainment. Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and the Animation Revolution is a vivid portrait of the life and world of a man who shaped the look of cartoon animation. Also interested in technical innovation, Fleischer invented the rotoscope―a device that helped track live action and allowed his cartoons to revolutionize the way animated characters appeared and moved on-screen. In the 1920s, Fleischer created a series of "Out of the Inkwell" films, which led to a deal with Paramount. Their character KoKo the Clown introduced new animation effects by growing out of Fleischer's pen on-screen. As the sound revolution hit film, the studio produced shorts featuring the characters interacting with songs and with the now-famous bouncing ball that dances across lyrics projected on the screen. Max Fleischer's story is also one of a creative genius struggling to fit in with the changing culture of golden age cinema. Out of the Inkwell captures the twists and turns, the triumphs and disappointments, and most of all the breathless energy of a life vibrantly lived in the world of animation magic.

From the Publisher: Foreword by Leonard Maltin

Bibliographic Details

Title: Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and the ...
Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
Publication Date: 2005
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: new