Film Figure Review, CL!CK: A LEGO Short Film

Figure 1

CL!CK: A LEGO Short Film

CL!CK: A LEGO Short Film, is a stop motion animation about an inventor in a precarious position, as he is stuck with proposed inventions for how to make human flight possible, but is unable to find one that is successful, and has all of his failed ideas in a pile that seems to be growing (figure 1). I really enjoyed watching the human struggle aspect of this short film; its easy to connect to as everyone has gotten frustrated over a problem before discovering its solution. I enjoy the 'feel good' ending of the movie. It had a simple plot that was easy to follow, and is enjoyable by all audiences. I really enjoy the originality of the short film, it was different than everything else I've see thus far. 

Figure 2

Figure 3

One stylistic choice I enjoyed was the motif of LEGO's, specifically when they would break apart and reform into something new (figure 2-3). This helped show the flexibility and variability of success and opportunity, and shows the path to success is not fixed, and can change constantly. It is little moments like the surprise that is shown on the actor's face that help further along the mystery and discover whether or not he'll figure out his dilemma of human flight. This idea is furthered as we have our man set up in the mid-ground of the frame, and the invention is set in the foreground, with a slight blur to the background, diverting attention away from the background. 

Figure 4

One of my favorite scenes was when he was walking down the 'hall of inventions' and he walks past all of the ideas that were close to being completed, but not quite done. I found it fitting that the editor chose jump cuts and the camera was a POV shot of each idea. My favorite unfinished project was "world peace," (figure 4) because he just walked past it without a glance. It helps demonstrate that we are close to achieving world peace, but it isn't completed, suggesting we still have some work to do before we can achieve world peace.

Figure 5

I liked the setting of the ideas hallway (figure 5), it helps build up the motif of assembly, a standard factory job. I enjoy this appropriate setting as the best place for ideas to be created is in a room that is mainly white. White symbolizes a new start, better more pure things to come, such as world peace. It also alludes to the fact that white is associated with something blank, and that great ideas are waiting to be born and placed onto the 'canvas.' This sends a great message that creativity can be born anywhere, and anything is possible. 

figure 6

I most enjoyed the ending of the short film. My favorite part was when the ? on the idea cube changed into a ! and he figured out how to make his 'human flying' mechanism. This is truly a happy moment in the film, and leads up to the conclusion of the conflict:would he make his machine? or would he fail again? 

figure 7

Here, his dream is realized and he completes his flying machine (Figure 7). This truly captivates what the viewer has been hoping for, the success of this hard working man, for his hard work to finally be realized and his dreams achieved. When his dream is achieved, he is astatic and ends up with his picture forever framed in the hall of ideas as another great human mind(Figure 8), with the likes of Einstein and others. This dream completed helps convey the overall message that dreams do come true if you are willing to work as hard as you can to make sure the dream comes true. Additionally, I found the framing choice interesting. Cutting off the top of the frame just below the shoulders and not showing the head was a good set up for the picture on the wall (Figure 8). 

Figure 8

Figure 9

I loved this closing shot of other people walking down the halls of the LEGO dream factory because it shows their will always be those few that are curious and will try to invent and want their dreams to come true. It shows that the next generation is ready to take on the challenges created and those that have been almost solved for                

themselves, as they are the future of civilization. 

I would definitely recommend this movie to those that have a few minutes on their hands, and want to watch a short feel good film to help motivate themselves for the day.