Every once in a while, an animation comes along that truly takes our breath away, be it funny, charming, thought-provoking or mind-alterting. This multi award-winning animation from Orchid Animation, “Caldera” is all of these things and more with its bold comment on the issues of mental illness.
Not only is the animation itself stunning; the character design, colours and story make it easy to see why it has received so many awards, nominations and mentions from the likes of Prix Ars Electronica, Maverick Movies and the Seattle International Film festival.
Notes:
According to the director, “Caldera” is inspired by my father’s struggle with schizoaffective disorder. In states of delusion, my father has danced on the rings of Saturn, spoken with angels, and fled from his demons. He has lived both a fantastical and haunting life, but one that’s invisible to the most of us.
I think this animation is indeed stunning visually, with well-built fantastical worlds and realistic portrayal of the character’s emotions and mental states. Its gives a drastic contrast between reality and imaginations. It helps put the audience in the shoes of a mentally ill patient suffering from psychosis or a break from reality. It successfully educated audience and elicited sympathy for people suffering from mental illnesses. And that’s exactly what I want to accomplish through my thesis project.
Reference:
Creative Bloq Staff. (2013, April 5). Award-winning animation tackles mental health. Creative Bloq. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.creativebloq.com/animation/multi-award-winning-animation-tackles-mental-health-4132300
