#tried to find a picture of the bella-puppet to use for these

[panlight]

Keeping Up with the Cullens - BD Episode 4, pt 2.

[daedalmirage]

inkyo || prototrial 0.3 「 falling words 」 re: shari mostly,

Inkyo was never one for overt displays of emotion -- that much, by now, was easy enough to surmise -- but when Misery leaves the room, it’s clear that her shoulders relax.

Her clenched hands seem to untense, just a little, and her gaze loses a bit of its sharpness.

She places her cellphone in front of her, on the table, letting out a soft sigh, its screen displaying the same case overview the rest of you had, save for one thing:

DISCOVERED BY: BELLA, INKYO, JACE Don’t give the game away, okay?

...But she does not address this -- as if it’s not important -- as if it’s an afterthought -- instead addressing Shari.

“... I do not hate you. I was afraid that something had happened to you. While I was mending the puppet, it occurred to me that it might have been in such a state because you had been attacked while I was in the convenience store... so I tried to find you. ...I got scared. I do not like those woods. So I turned away, believing that you were alright and merely hiding or perhaps wishing to be alone... since there was only one set of prints. Had I known you were passed out I would have tended to your injuries.”

She clutches the fabric of her haori, ever so slightly.

“... ...And then we were all brought here. The doll said that whoever did it would be punished. I could not be certain that you were the one who ripped up Joy... so I wanted to err on the side of caution just in case. Even then, I did not wish for you to get in trouble. When I received the instructions to keep quiet, something... did not feel right. The message was not in itself threatening, but I felt something sinister was afoot.

“I did what I could, but ... it was not very effective. Although I do feel as though I should rescind Lord Johann’s gold star and give it to Lord Franz instead. 

“I apologize to the rest of you, for not saying anything sooner. It was as Lady Misery stated. All of this was due to a small disagreement... ... and some floundering about, on my part. I have been told that my distress makes me less effective in times of crisis.”

It might be difficult to picture her that way -- distressed, that is.

“Regarding what has just been revealed... surely, this mandate to kill one another is but another test by Laplace. They wish for us to find an alternative means...”

As if to convince herself and not the others, there’s a bit of force behind her words... but she says nothing more.

[xpouii]

JSE DAY 17: Father

Day 17 of the JSE artists prompts 2019 by @septic-bella

**All previous entries are available on AO3 under the title “Mayhem” with my same username.**

               Henrik was walking down a street that seemed familiar, lined with small shops and crowded with people. He heard them speaking German, and realized he was home. He looked around frantically, confused. He couldn’t be here. Anti would find him. Anti would find them. Sophia, Emma, Mila, even that bastard Rick. They were in danger, but he couldn’t just leave now that it was already too late. He had to find them. He didn’t know a current address—he’d instructed Sophia not to tell him where they moved to—but he remembered where Rick had lived, and Sophia’s parents’ home. It was an easy walk.

               Rick’s house was no help, boarded up and clearly uninhabited. Henrik continued on his way to the in-laws, and there he knocked on the door. He was ready to receive an unpleasant welcome, hostility, confusion, and he felt most of those things for himself in that moment. Why would he be here? Why would he risk it? The door opened a crack, but nobody was there. Henrik pushed the door in further and stuck his head inside, “Hello? Sophia? Girls?”

               The house was quiet, and Henrik didn’t like it, but he stepped inside. It had opened, after all. Sure, it might’ve been wind and negative pressure, but best to be sure. The house was as he remembered it from all of the holidays and Sunday dinners. Sophia’s mother Maren kept an immaculately decorated home. Pictures littered the walls. Some had Henrik in them, the girls’ birthdays, the photos just after their births where he and Sophia were both exhausted, bloodied messes with impossibly wide smiles. Delivering his own children had been the single best experiences of his life, and his heart ached when he realized just how long it had been since he’d seen his daughters. More recent pictures had Rick standing in his place, but the girls seemed happy, and Sophia was radiant. Henrik nodded, feeling able to make peace with the fact that she had moved on. After all, their life together hadn’t been easy.

              Henrik’s thoughts flowed backward in time to their marriage, when they’d planned their lives so carefully. Sophia had been a concert pianist, and he’d been a reasonably successful surgeon. They’d had Emma first, and the joy was unbelievable. They both shared the work equally, taking the parental leave and making the most of it, but when the leave came to an end and they both went back to work, Sophia’s parents started the guilt.

              Sitters were cheap, and they were good, well-trained and just as in love with the baby as any sitter can be. However, Maren insisted it was a woman’s job to stay home. Henrik had even offered to quit his own job.  He would gladly parent while Sophia pursued her dreams, but Sophia’s mother had convinced her that it was impractical for a doctor to give up his job so that a musician can keep hers. Henrik hated Maren for that. Even though her parents pushed it, and Henrik fought for Sophia, she gave in to them, and she had to watch him leave every morning for the hospital. Then he would return in the evening, sometimes two or three days later with tired but happy eyes, full of stories. Henrik took a moment to contemplate how much Sophia must have hated him, must have resented his freedom, enough to push her into the arms of another man—but he hadn’t come here to reminisce.

               The master bedroom door was open, but it sat oddly on its hinges, and Henrik could smell something familiar, thick and heavy and sharp. As he approached it became clear. Blood. It hit him like a brick. His in-laws were in bed, or Henrik assumed it was them. The bodies were headless, half-flayed, limbs hacked away and arranged around the room. Henrik clapped his hand over his mouth, seeing the large, wicked, familiar knife jammed into the headboard. Anti.

               The other two bedrooms off of the hallway were empty, so Henrik ran upstairs. The attic was empty, bright and warm, no sign of Anti or his family. He returned to the main floor and went through the door to the basement stairs. The basement light was turned on by a chain hanging in the middle of the room, so Henrik stepped cautiously through the darkness. When he pulled the chain, the basement exploded in light, and three voices began to call to him, but they were muffled.

               His wife and two daughters were tied to chairs, gags stuffed into their mouths. The girls had tear streaks down their face and Sophia looked broken and tired. Henrik rushed forward but something hit him in the back of the head, and everything went black.

               Not so fast, good doctor. I wouldn’t make it that easy for you to save them, would I?

               Henrik came around slowly, pain throbbing through his head into his neck. He groaned, trying to lift a hand to the wound, but he was hogtied, laying on his stomach. He rolled onto his side, and he was almost exactly where he’d fallen. He could feel something wet and warm and sticky at the nape of his neck, and assumed it was blood. “Anti! Let them go!” He wished his voice didn’t sound so groggy and tired.

              “Why would I do that? I want you to make a decision.”

              Henrik clenched his jaw, “I said let them go!”

              Anti laughed and the sound of it stuttered and warped, “I Don’t think so, Schneep. They’re too valuable to me.”

               Emma looked at her father and begged behind the gag. Help us, daddy. Make him stop hurting us!

               “Choose,” Anti said.

               “What?”

               “Choose who dies. I’m killing one of them right now. If you don’t choose I’ll kill all three of them.”

               Henrik looked at Sophia. Her eyes went wide and she nodded. He didn’t hesitate, “Sophia.” She had given him the signal; he had to protect their children, and she would have done the same to him to save them.

               Anti walked up behind her and slit her throat, holding her face still so she could look Henrik in the eyes while she died. “Good work. That was fun wasn’t it? Although I usually like my deaths to be more dramatic. Next!”

               “You said-“

               “Choose one to live,” Anti said, his face split by a wild grin.

               “What?”

               “Why do I have to keep repeating myself?!”

               “No, Anti! Take me! Make me your puppet. Take me instead and let them go!” Henrik begged, tears stinging his eyes. “Please!”

               Anti’s eyes narrowed as he walked up behind Mila, “You’re not ready. Soon, but not yet.”

               “Yes I am! Take me, damn it!”

               “No decision then?” Anti said, sliding one hand under Mila’s chin. The younger girl burst into tears, her whole body shaking as she screamed and sobbed.

               “God damn you, Anti, take me!”

               Anti shrugged, slitting her throat. She struggled for a moment, gurgling and heaving, but the life left her fast. Anti moved to Emma, ignoring Henrik’s hysterical pleas and repeating the process. Emma tried to put up a brave front for her father, squeezing her eyes closed and holding her breath, letting her head loll forward instead of pulling away from Anti. Henrik couldn’t hear her last breaths over his own cries, but he didn’t have to.

               Henrik opened his eyes when he heard the knock on his door. He sat up and looked around, and tears slid down his cheeks as he realized it had been a nightmare. “Gott sei Dank.”

               He rose to answer the door, wiping his eyes, “Ja? Oh… Jackie, what is it? Is everything alright?”

               Jackie didn’t look alright, but he nodded. “Marvin and I are going to wait for Jameson to be released, then we’re going home. We’d like you to come too. Then we can all come back for Chase. We need some sleep, and we need each other, and we need to think about what we’re going to do without risking Jack.”

               Henrick nodded, “Jack is too important; without him, we are at Anti’s mercy alone. Chase was right. You were right. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. I was desperate.”

               “You wanted to protect us,” Jackie said. “I understand—and so will Jack—but for now, wrap up that research and get ready to go home.”

               Henrick returned to his office, closing the door and thinking over his dream. He curled his hands into fists and swore softly; he would die himself before he let Anti hurt his family and nothing could stop him. He gathered his files and papers, stuffing them into his briefcase before grabbing his lab coat and cell phone. He locked his office behind him, and turned around, almost running into Jameson.

               Sorry Doc. Jameson smiled, but it looked forced. You still up?

               “I’m afraid so,” Henrik said. “I believe we’re all going home as soon as you’re discharged this morning. It won’t be long. You should get back to your room.”

               Chase too?

               “As soon as Chase is released we will come back for him. How long have you been up walking?”

               Jameson looked sheepish and shrugged. A couple of hours. I couldn’t sleep.

               Henrik nodded, “I believe that’s been going around. Now, get back to your room.”

               Yes sir. Jameson saluted playfully, then turned and went back in the direction of his room.

[jamiekturner]

The animation movies you shouldn’t miss in your lifetime

Animation movies are not simply more sophisticated cartoons. Over the years, they’ve introduced us to some of the best cinema characters, involved us in memorable stories, and gathered millions of fans worldwide.

But which are the best animation movies to see? In fact, what makes an animation movie good? Which was the best animation movie ever?

Of course, everyone can answer these questions differently depending on what they like, but there are a few movies we can all agree were blockbusters. What makes an animation movie stand out are most of the time the characters, story, and animation style.

Here’s our collection of the 30 best animation movies of all times. Give this list a look, and you will certainly find a few of your personal favorites in there.

If not, it is time to explore the animation world and to find new horizons!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Disney’s production has more amazing cartoon movies than we can possibly gather here, but this is the story they’ll always be recognized for – the tale of the beautiful, wandering princess, the mean queen, the handsome savior, and the sidekick band of helpful and funny dwarfs.

The awesome fairytale written by the Grimm brothers was not only the kicker hand-drawn animation of Walt Disney, but also the first animation movie in the history of the moving pictures industry.

Time can do nothing against it – after almost a century, you shed some light over the old painting, and it springs to life!

Fantasia (1940)

This great animation film brings together the best of the Disney world, Tchaikovsky’s music, and magic. You will be delighted by the unique mixture of Western classical sounds and the visual game of Disney’s characters while Leopold Stokowski leads the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Dumbo (1941)

A filmmaker from Pixar shared an interesting story with us – his mother who could barely understand English, watched Dumbo and understood what his mom wanted as she interlocked trunks with him inside a circus cage. This is what makes this movie a proper animation hero – you understand it without words!

Bambi (1942)

Bambi marked some of the best moments in Disney’s history and top animated movies, such as its mother being shot by a hunter and leaving the tiny sweet fawn to fend. More than a cartoon, Bambi is a lyrical and beautiful affirmation of the miracle of life, and stands for values such as family, friends, and our glorious nature. The titular doe of this movie loses its innocence as it’s mother dies, but also grows up virtuously, gains knowledge, and becomes capable of depending itself.

Robin Hood (1973)

Robin Hood was the first animation movie to be released after Walt Disney died. At the time, it was considered to be an embarrassing, on-budget piece, but time reversed that to one of the best animation movies of all times.

We all know the story of Robin Hood – the hero of the little people who steals from the rich. He was animated several times, but none of his adaptations was as charming and memorable as the one made by Disney’s animators.

The concept was the same as in fairytales – whistling rooster narrators, a maid for Robin to fall in love with (Marian), and a furry squad of brave friends helping Robin recover what Prince John has stolen.

Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

What inspired Japanese director Eiichi Yamamoto to create this unbelievable psychosexual animation was Jules Michelet’s book on witchcraft and feminism called La Sorciere.

The beautiful yet disturbing piece was released in 1973, and the ones who saw it certainly remember how shocking it was for the standards of that time.

In 2016, there was a new Belladonna release in the U.S., and it had pretty much the same effect on people. Even modern society finds such animated fantasy traumatizing, and is not prepared to embrace how scandalous it is.

For instance, the heroine gets visually assaulted, and some viewers may find that disturbing.

In short, you may like or dislike the story behind it, but this animation is certainly a masterpiece. It was created in a unique and delicate manner, using a pleasing pastel palette of watercolors the human eye enjoys.

Street of Crocodiles (1986)

Movie production in the 80s was almost entirely digital, but that didn’t prevent visionaries Timothy and Stephen Quay from drawing one of world’s best stop-motion pieces. Their short animation features a hatched-faced puppet with a decaying body that navigates a bunch of dancing screws, and creates a feeling of being stuck in a vivid dream that won’t let you wake up.

The piece attracts interest even today, especially among surrealist and stop-motion artist. The Quays were actually inspired by Jan Svankmajer and the writer Bruno Schultz, two of Poland’s best known names in the surrealism world.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Two years after Street of Crocodiles, the world was introduced to an even better animated film -My Neighbor Totoro. It has been 30 years since, and this movie still lifts up the spirit of those watching it, as it features one of the most heart-warming stories.

The main characters are two adorable Japanese children leaving their home to find magic. Along the way, they discover a wondrous cat bus and a gentle giant named Totoro who helps them accomplish their mission.

This makes Totoro one of the best cartoon movies suitable for all ages: everyone could enjoy a supernatural, slightly uninhibited delight.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)

Robert Zemeckis is the name behind this groundbreaking, hybrid crime/comedy movie. First of its kind, this movie treats the murder of a bunny, and features an iconic toon-loathing detective working on the case.

‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ broke all records of production expense. It cost more than any film produced during the 80s, and became the 2nd highest-grossing movie in 1988.

Akira (1988)

Kanye West appointed Akira as the leader among its favorite films, and many of us can agree with him. The incredibly detailed sci-fi movie doesn’t stay behind names such as Matrix or the Blade Runner, while its imaginative urban setting display makes it the finest Japanese animation ever created. In fact, Akira has become a cult with millions of followers worldwide.

The main protagonist is a Neo-Tokyo teen biker called Tetsuo. Tetsuo’s mission is to release the unlawfully imprisoned psychic Akira, and his way there features the best action scenes ever to be seen in the animation world.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

There’s almost no girl out there who didn’t dream of becoming a mermaid, and they own this to one of Disney’s most compelling stories. This romantic movie follows the life of beautiful mermaid Ariel whose dream was to have legs and to live on land.

It is with Ariel that Disney’s renaissance took off. We all associated the Faustian tale with making important choices in our life, such as the one Ariel made when giving up her voice to pursue being human.

Her love story with charming prince Eric provided us one of the most memorable movie soundtracks, and we learnt to love her despite of her stubbornness. This is why The Little Mermaid still counts as a favorite Disney movie.

Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Do you remember the love story of Bella and the Beast? Next to the inspiring story of Bella’s pure soul discovering the prince inside a buffalo, this movie caused a drastic change in the world of best animation, causing many people to take it seriously.

Looking at the magnificent ballroom sequence and the couple’s first dance, we found it hard to believe that the film was computer-generated. Actually, Beauty and the Beast was so good that it became the first animated movie to earn a Best Picture Nomination.

Aladdin (1992)

Yup, these were the golden years of the Disney production of animated films! Following the success of Ariel, Bella, and their prices, animators recreated another iconci character, and that was Aladdin.

Prior to this movie hitting screens, many people were unaware of the inspiring and romantic rags-to-riches story, despite of it being a classic 1001 Nights tale.

It follows the dreams of an open-vested, homeless, and hopelessly in love boy who’d set an eye on a rich and beautiful princess. As hard as his evil enemy Jafar tries to get her, she still falls for Aladdin, the boy with the magic carpet, Robin Williams-voiced genie, and enormous heart.

FernGully (1992)

FernGully is another classic in the animation world that treats the destruction of Earth and all creatures that live on it. It was created for children, and they loved how protagonist fairy Christa fought against the destruction of her Australian rainforest.

Her assistant was a boy named Zak, and her enemy was a logging company attempting to wreck her world. You may find it interesting to know that this movie inspired Avatar and the creation of princess Mononoke.

Porco Rosso (1992)

Ain’t this a weird film! And yet, a lovely one! Hayao Miyazaki presented us the story of an ex WWI fighter pilot from Italy, and that pilot happened to be a funny red pig. For protagonist Porco Rosso, being a pig is nothing bad – he still canoodles with beautiful ladies assisted by Fio, his mechanic protégée. This film is both engaging and historically rich, and is definitely worth watching!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

As his projections show, Tim Burton comes up with the weirdest pairings ever – beetles and juice, hands and scissors, and this time even Hallowing and Christmas. In this movie, we get to meet the pumpkin king and his sudden Christmas joy. And right when you think it can’t get better, you hear Danny Elfman’s live performance of ‘What’s This’.

The Lion King (1994)

Here’s another of Disney’s major works with a Shakespearean background. Instead of Hamlet, we’re acquainted with a lion family and their friends from the jungle, and we get to see some of life’s most important values on screen.

The film also has iconic musical sequences – the renowned soundtrack, for instance, is many people’s association of a beautiful childhood.

The music was written by Hans Zimmer, a legend among composers who actually manages to turn emotions into sounds. As Simba and Nala tussle in the grass, their love warms our hearts, the same as Scar’s betrayal makes us angry and eager to help Simba discover that he has no fault for his father’s death.

As we watch on, we get to adore Simba’s little Hakuna Matata friend, or the buds Timon and Pumbaa as they help him become king of the jungle.

Toy Story (1995)

Toy Story is Pixar’s first and arguably ultimate achievement. It was such a success that it turned the company into a film franchise, and it set the standards of how a perfect movie should look.

We will remember it by the iconic ‘personalities’ of Woody, Hamm, Rex, and Buzz; and for its immense contribution to what toys meant in our lives. According to many viewers, Toy Story is the best animated movie ever!

Perfect Blue (1997)

Japanese director Satoshi Kon made a pretty successful animated prototype of legendary Black Swan. This movie is far from a pass-time show, and we wouldn’t recommend it for kids in any case. Its protagonist is pop star Mima who decides to try out acting.

Her fans are furious about it, in particular a creepy stalker that tries to invade her life in many different ways. That, however, is not the worst thing to happen to Mima – she starts tormenting herself with her alter ego – an imaginative ‘her’ that questions her decisions, and brings her in all sorts of compromising positions.

This movie is sexually explicit, compromising, and even haunting, and gives us a pretty good overview of celebrities’ troubles with media violence, exploitation, and lack of personal space.

Hercules (1997)

What better than an animation to make Greek mythology fun? The epic tale of demigod Hercules and his parents Zeus and Hera inspired many professionals in the movie business to bring these characters to life, including beautiful Megara Hercules saves from evil ex-boyfriend Hades.

Even after 20 years, this is a movie every kid should watch – the movie that teaches us that strength is only good when used for a good cause.

Mulan (1998)

Remember the cute Chinese heroine who joined the army to ensure her dad doesn’t have to go? Hardly did any of us forget her epic appearance on gender’s funeral to ask if there were Huns to fight!

Mulan was also the long-awaited Asian reappearance on screen, and a role model for young women who didn’t abide to sexist norms. She was noble, brave, and extremely fun to watch – just the way we’d all like to be! Along the way, she even fell in love with Captain Li Shang, and gave this amazing story the love crown it deserves.

What made the Mulan movie even more memorable were the voices of the protagonists – the mini dragon Mu Shu was voiced by amazing Eddie Murphy, while the voice behind Mulan’s beautiful interpretation of ‘Reflection’ was none other than Christina Aguilera. Could it get any better?

Princess Mononoke (1998)

Princess Mononoke is not a typical and soothing animation movie. The visceral and dark story is often considered as Miyazak’s best movie, and there are many reasons for that.

Following Ashitaka’s efforts to reintroduce peace between the generous gods and destructive humans, you are provided with a truly imaginative and epic visual experience. This is why Princess Mononoke became the 7th highest-grossing animation of all times.

The Iron Giant (1999)

The Iron Giant is a much underestimated animation movie, and we believe this is so because of it being misunderstood. Rather than attaching an ‘antiwar’ label on it, we should look deeper under the surface and understand that Brad Bird’s guns are not simply killing machines – he questions how it’d be if they had a soul. Interesting, isn’t it? Put it on your list!

Chicken Run (2000)

Chicken run is not just the funny story of a loud rooster and his fellow chickens escaping certain death – it is the stop-motion parable and homage of The Great Escape that shows us how the wreckage of capitalism looks like.

It is also a very well produced piece whose scrappy heroines are to be quoted and remembered, and it definitely deserves a look.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

If you’re into animation, there’s no way you missed Monsters, Inc. Its memorable snappy interplay and dizzying action sequences guarantee some serious fun to the viewer, as protagonists Sulley and his single-eyed associate Mike scare children to help Monstropolis.

Ain’t it just great to see these beasts’ freaking out as fearless moppet Boo takes over their turf?

Shrek (2001)

What made Shrek so popular is without doubt his suitability for audiences of all ages. Children thought of it as a fantastic fairy tale of distressed damsels, dragons, castles, and a princess to be saved. Adults, on the other side, enjoyed the amazing pop culture references this animation had to offer, in particular the great soundtrack that pandered exactly to them.

This movie also has one of the best acting crews behind it – DreamWorks animation chose Cameron Diaz to voice Princess Fiona, Mike Myers to voice the titular ogre, and incredible Eddie Murphy to voice the faithful donkey steed. Could it possibly get better?

Spirited Away (2002)

Spirited Away was based on Alice in Wonderland, and it was so well execute that it won an Oscar. The legendary tale of a wondering little girl and her magical ride into the land of the Unknown never stopped fascinating people, an effect Joe Hisaishi ensured with his new ideas and great moving instrumentals.

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

‘The Triplets of Belleville’ is signed by ‘Illusionist’ producer Sylvain Chomet. It is a family movie of a concerned grandma looking for her grandson, and a piece aiming to warm everybody’s heart. It will impress you from the very first opening sequence, and you will definitely want to watch it again.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Inspired by the great success of under-the-sea animations, Pixar created what’s perhaps the most fascinating story of its kind – Finding Nemo. Protagonist Nemo is in fact a small clown fish that ventures through the scary sea to find its father, and whose journey is paired with the most exciting adventures.

Nemo meets surprisingly friendly sharks, cute turtles, and other sea creatures that need his help – the most memorable encounter, however, is the one with space cadet Dory, a character viewers loved so much that Pixar made a separate movie about it!

The Incredibles (2004)

Any animation expert out there can confirm that animation movies are not all about visual. A large portion of their success depends on the story they tell, and Incredibles is a movie that can prove that.

The great comic book inspired an even better movie, as it brought former superheroes Bob and Helen Paar and their family on our screens. We were simply thrilled by villain Syndrome’s crime-fighting revenge, and we can easily compare the action in this anime to any well-rated fighter movie.

RATATOUILLE (2007)

Here’s one more of Pixar’s masterpieces that combines great visuals, intriguing stories, and memorable characters. It treats the unusual alliance of rodent Remy and kitchen assistant Linguini, both working on Remy’s dream to become the chef of a great French Restaurant.

The best part of the story – their dishes manage to fascinate critic Anton Ego, just the way their personality fascinates the audiences!

WALL-E (2008)

The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature is not the only great achievement of WALL-E. This movie was also recognized for acknowledging the dangers of pollution and human waste.

WALL-E is the main character in this animation – the Earth’s last robot that’s been alone for 700 years, and has thus developed a very curious ‘personality’. The loner is challenged by a newer robot model coming down to Earth, and the two of them create what’s today one of Disney’s most charming works.

Up (2009)

‘Up’ has just the right features to delight all audiences – funny characters and exciting chases to make kids laugh; and a precious adventurous experience for the parenting squad. Widower Carl and wilderness explorer and adventurist Carl take us on an unpredictable journey to South America, and lift our spirit up with every achievement. This is a movie you shouldn’t miss!

Coraline (2009)

Stop-motion animations company Laika picked an interesting book to adapt: Coraline by Neil Gaiman. As a result, they created a scary, yet very exciting movie, showing us how frustrated kid Coraline escapes from her parents and falls into trouble.

Coraline reaches a sinister and creepy world of Stepford-like replacements, including a terrorizing spider lady that follows her around. All she wants is to come back home, and viewers are there to join the journey. Certainly a piece of art!

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

The Princess and the Frog was created by John Musker and Ron Clements, a popular cinema duo we’d have to thank for masterpieces like Moana or The Little Mermaid.

Their latest hand-drawn fairytale takes place in the jazz age, and follows the story of a waitress who’s in love with an enchanted prince (frog), and becomes a frog herself. Give it a try!

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic Mr. Fox is based on Roald Dahl’s amazing fox story. Screenwriter Noah Baumbah teamed with popular filmmaker Wes Anderson to adapt this tale for our screens, and introduced us to the most popular movie fox ever.

This urban fox struggles to return to its natural wild habitat and save its community – a mission that may cause retaliation against other animal species, or facing one’s own mortality. Now there’s a movie packed with integrity and values that is suitable for all generations!

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

‘How To Train Your Dragon’ is one more of Roger Deakins’ cinematography legends – a thrilling and adventurous tale with beautiful painterly visuals, fully 3D enabled flying sequences, and a story to remember.

Instead of picking a celebrity crew to maintain the pop-culture gag, DreamWorks focused on the sequel and let the story lead the way, and that’s where the magic began. The central moment in this animation is the unique friendship of a Viking boy and a dragon, something that’ll remind us all of our beloved childhood pets.

Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)

Watching the Under the Red Hood movie, you get a rare chance to experience the real Batman flick without the Joker taking over. In this occasion, Batman tries to defeat an evil vigilante who stops him from restoring order in Gotham City.

We warn you – the movie comes with some serious action and bloodshed, but it is a genuine delight for supporters of this genre.

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (2013)

This is the tale of Mike Wazowski, a wannabe Scarer who enrolls at a University of Monsters. The movie follows his rivalry with natural-born Scarer Sulley, as a result of which they’re both kicked out of the program.

What they have to do to get reaccepted is to win the program’s Scare Games. The challenge is – they have to join the least respected fraternity on campus (Oozma Kappa), and they have to work at the same time.

Frozen (2013)

Frozen won multiple awards for being the best animation film, and owes it to a variety of factor. This tremendous piece warmed our hearts with wonderful characters, as well as a perfected storyline presented to us with amazing graphics.

For those who haven’t watched it, Frozen follows the epic journey of the fearless and positive Anna, as her faithful reindeer Sven and mountain man Kristoff help her find her sister Elsa.

They’re headed to the kingdom of eternal winter Arendelle where Elsa’s icy powers are trapped and endangered. To get there, Anna and Kristoff face a number of terrible obstacles, including snowmen and mystical trolls. Of course, they win in the end.

Ernest & Celestine (2014)

Ernest & Celestine is an engaging animation film that treats the topic of stereotypes and prejudice. It introduces us to the unusual friendship between street musician Ernest (a bear) and dentist Celestine (mouse) that doesn’t resemble any previous U.S. movie production.

World of Tomorrow (2015)

World of Tomorrow is one of the best short sci fi movies you’ll ever watch. You will need exactly 16 minutes to explore Don Hertzfeldt’s work of art where he showcases his deep admiration for the sci-fi genre.

The Netflix blockbuster explores a variety of popular topics. As sweet little Emily looks into the future, she meets her own grown-up clone, and joins a memorable, sentimental journey to learn more about her.

Basically, World of Tomorrow has two roles – entertaining toddlers who identify themselves with Emily, and taking adults on a futuristic trip where they question the ideas of cloning, virtual reality, and time travel.

Anomalisa (2015)

Anomalisa is a very romantic drama/comedy brought to us by director Duke Johnson and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. At first sight, it is an ordinary love story between a motivational speaker and an ordinary girl named Lisa. What makes it so popular then?

The team did an excellent job putting longing and anxiety on screen, and promoting this film as an accurate study of human character, an analysis of modern malaise, and, well…a parody. The takeaway message to remember this movie by is – Keep going, no matter what!

Ups, we almost forgot. This movie is hilarious!

Inside Out (2015)

You all remember Inside Out, the masterpiece of animation that won the ‘Best Animated Feature Film’ Academy Award. The leading character is Riley, a girl with personified emotions ready to convey a simple, but meaningful message: We are all human beings, and life doesn’t always treat us nice. This is why critics in Cannes went all crazy about it.

The Little Prince (2016)

Mark Osborne used Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic The Little Prince to create an exciting story about a girl looking for her childhood. The movie is respected for its excellent blend of computer-generated animations and paper cutouts.

Tower (2016)

Many Hollywood movies treat attacks and incidents in the U.S, but what is really special about Tower is that it does so using animation. The storyline goes back to the 1966 shootings at Texas University, and it blends in a unique way animated characters, genuine broadcasts, and personal testimonies.

The Red Turtle (2017)

Michaël Dudok de Wit, the Dutch animator to sign this piece, likes to refer to it as an original ode to nature. This hand-drawn miracle is nothing like the previous works of Studio Ghibli – it displays the love story between a mute castaway and a shape-shifting turtle, and it features no words at all.

COCO (2017)

COCO will be remembered for many things, but most of all for its heart-melting soundtrack ‘Remember me’. This was Pixar’s pioneer musical film, and a piece that won viewers’ hearts as soon as it appeared.

The layered and colorful story takes place in Mexico, where young Miguel Rivera fights to become a renowned musician. His family bans music for him, but he persists pursuing a career like the one of his idol Ernesto de la Cruz.

Doing so, Miguel discovers the secrets in his family’s history, and his charming friend Hector from the Land of the Dead helps him all along.

If you enjoyed reading this article about animation movies, you should read these as well:

The most popular DC animated movies to watch in a lifetime

48 Of The Best Short Animated Films (Oscar winners included)

34 Of The Best Motion Graphics Studios And Their Work

Amazing Adobe After Effects Tutorials You Need To Watch

The Best Animated Movies For Adults: The ones to put on your list

The post The animation movies you shouldn’t miss in your lifetime appeared first on Design your way.

from Web Development & Designing https://www.designyourway.net/blog/inspiration/motion-graphics/animation-movies/

[ozzieontheroad-blog]

All that matters is not lined with gold. Really, flannel is better on cooler fall nights. Wait... streets lined with gold? Never mind.

Sep 07-15/17

Well, according to the last paragraph in the last blog, I thought I might have some pic’s or vid of the current repair of Bella yesterday. Not to be. The mechanic likes to work alone, often apparently at night - more on that once the repair is done and we’re on our way.

Oz and I are in a hotel. The room is a “suite”, so there’s a couch, and a kitchenette and a little dining area. Fine and dandy. Not needed, but what ever.

Just give me back or tiny home. After close to 2 years, I’m so used to living in a crazy small space, I’m more comfortable in our tin can. A couple of nights in a hotel bed gets my back sore. The cramped little bed (with a bed-hog dog) might be a tight fit, but it’s comfy.

Not complaining. The hotel is okay. But too bad the extra expense. Maybe it’s the area, not far from the airport, but it’s first a challenge to find a dog friendly hotel, and then one that doesn’t cost too much. If the hoped for 2 night stay doesn’t turn into more, we’re already looking at maybe another $700 on top of what the repairs run. (The hotel charges an extra $100 for the dog. The most I’ve encountered) This is not a cheap week. Get me back my home.

Worse is poor old Ozzie’s continuing to worsen condition. He’s an old, beautiful boy. But his ability to even stand up, yet alone walk more than a metre or two, degrades a bit more daily. And now comes, oh, let’s call it control issues. This is just in a matter of days. I try to keep a routine for him, get out often so he can do his business outside and maintain pride, but we’re not always making it. I’m taking a towel with us for when he doesn’t quite make it - watch like a hawk - and half the time I pick him up - all 65 pounds - and carry him. You do what you have to do. If the car is ready for Saturday, we’re going to the vet for “the discussion”.

It’s breaking my heart.

*The passage of time…*

I lost the writing wind, I think Thursday night. This is now the following Thursday. I nuked the leftover chinese delivery and turned on CNN. 24 hour breaking news. Someone really should point out to them it’s only breaking the first time. Oh well. Hopefully something good is on Comedy Central soon. Sam Bee was last night, so if it’s Puppets That Kill, I’m getting out my book.

Friday around the mechanic texted to say our T2 would be ready mid-afternoon. Thank you, whoever! I checked out and called a cab. Turned out to be the same one that brought us to the hotel after dropping off for repairs. There’s only so many that will take a dog, so not a huge surprise it was the same one. It’s an extra ten bucks for the dog, and the driver recalled I had a towel to put down for Oz (aren’t I good?), and we got to the shop an hour or so before the bus was ready, but Oz is totally used to waiting around in garages. We’ve done that more than once.

The bus rides better than it has for a while. It’s smoother, quieter, and I think sits a bit higher too. I wish it never happened (and didn’t cost so much), but it seems to have worked out. That being said, nothing surprises.

A very nice german lady came by this morning to take pictures and talk about her memories of a similar VW her family had and traveled in when she was young. Four people! I can barely climb over my dog, and that’s while driving!

Oz has, it seems, abandoned the bed. Maybe it’s a temporary thing. Weirdly, I’m mixed about it. It’s nice to have the room - lord he hogs - but at the same time, another warm blooded creature, even a quadruped, is kind of nice on a cool night.

Back when we had the house and he could still make it up the stairs, he’d make a big point of getting on the bed first and claiming his preferred location, general pretty much smack dab in the middle, the bastard. But a few minutes after I joined him, he would jump of and take up a post just outside the bedroom door. Sometimes he would want back up in the morning, but when he was younger it was more important I get up to get him out for business and a bowel of lip smacking kibble. Don’t knock if you haven’t tried it.

Hopefully our wheels are dependable for a few weeks or months after this. I am taking her in for general service at a shop in a town called Mono, north of Orangeville in 2 or 3 weeks, but that’s normal stuff. We’ll stay at a park near Shelburne, a bit farther north. I think I’ll get out the Go-Pro’s again, something I’ve not done much this summer. I charged up the batteries - I have ten - and cleaned up the cases. I think I remember where I put the little voice recorder, though it’s amazing who easy it is to misplace stuff in such a tiny space.

People just arrived next door, and I’m sorry, but they’re stinky. First they emptied sudsy liquid out a side panel containing what seemed like electrical stuff, maybe a condenser. That smelled poopy. Now I’m getting a whiff of what seems to be wires burning. The guy has a huge whack of keys attached to a length of chain to a belt loop. The chain is about the size of the chain I hand at the end of the anchor rode (rope) on my sailboat. I’m just saying.

I am going to have brown beans and toast for dinner tonight, and perhaps later I can compete. Or mask their fragrant contributions. Just keep the windows open.

[letsjamesbrigdenthings-blog]

Session 3

Session 3.

This was postponed initial due to Jason’s other work commitments. During the interviewing I discovered two major things one was peoples did not yet trust me and so their disclosures where samey and often dull. Two some of the interviews where too contravortial. Both these led to huge moral panic and questioning. Then I had the idea of The Procrastinarium a series of small interactive sideshows which open up an audiences creativity. I talked the idea through with Bella who had expressed a desire to work with me but not on Queen’s in Search of a Country.

Initially we thought big. After our Month travelling to Croatia, Norwich, Newcastle and Hull we met several artists and took part in various workshops. Two experiences that changed the way I understood my ideas where:

The Baltic exhibition of the artist Roddy Graham. http://www.balticmill.com/whats-on/rodney-graham I believe this interest came in the curation rather than the content. The Spaces in which his work occupied moved between invasive picture spaces to chilled out record listening areas. This and the breathed of his work excited me. There was also something in the way he showcased the everyday in big fascinating cinematic ways.

The other experience that changed things up was the workshop led by Stephen Mottram on The Logic of Movement.

I have been a fan of Mottram's work since he attended the Beveley Puppet Festival in 2008 with The Seed Carriers. His latest show The Parachute is my least favourite  of his work but its simplicity and beauty appealed to me greatly when we witnessed it at The Moving Parts Festival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-i8ReV5EU8 

The shift of audience perspective is what we need to procrastinate effectively.

The initial ideas which needed scaling down and working on were:

The Procrastinarium!

Picture blowing up!

Using phones, trace image. Place traced image under tracing projector. Re-trace enlarged image.

Shadow puppetry!

Using paper cut techniques, using floaty materials, using gels.

Mask!

Trans mask and Full mask using the work of Steve Gerrard, Mark Pitman and Le Coq. Masks have simple expressions. Play against the mask. Game of guess the mask by endowments.

Bunraku puppets!

Simple rag puppets/torch puppets. explore the techniques used by Stephen Mottram in Logic of Movement. Weight, tempo, breath, transference.

Black out poetry!

Use junk mail letters creatively. Use old text creatively.

Marionettes!

Weight/tempo.

Primitive portraits!

By Bella to entice.

Scrap instruments.

A sound sculpture using pipes tuned to complimentary keys. Using gamelan techniques.

We told Jason and Ellie about this project they where very excited. Then we told the module leader and we were told it was not possible. Perhaps the ideas where too big. Perhaps the ideas where not heard fully. Regardless we where told by the module leader to work in a black box space. So we decided to do a play. Again it focussed on our over arching theme of home. Dislocation and home.

Here is the script:

Anne to camera.

It was cold. I was lost. I was cheery. My mother put me in a bluey green dress.

It was plain not patterned It brought light into my eyes. She said I must wait. I didn’t know what for.

Perhaps until it was good again.

She said I was beautiful and that I danced across her dreams every night. She said it was wrong. She said she should keep me safe in sleep not the other way round.

I was scared of the dark but it crept in. She tried to keep me away from it the best she could. Her feet where tangled. She stopped being. She was not near. I stopped being before the music started.

George: There’s a load of crap in these bags. Where do... What even is this? Ann: It’s a hat pin George. George: A hat pin? Ann: Yes. A pin for a hat.

George: Well do we sell Hat pins?

Ann: Yes. George: It’s pretty I suppose. Ann: Put it with the earrings. George: How much shall I put it out for? Fifty p? Ann: No. It’s beautiful. You can’t put it out for fifty p. Do it for one fifty. George: One forty nine. It is a charity shop after all. Not a vintage boutique. Ann: You’re funny.

George: What do you mean? Ann: When it comes to pricing. You always knock a penny off. George: Its psychology. You’re more likely to buy... I dunno its some bollocks I read once. Ann: Lalalalaala George: What? Ann: LaALALALA

George: Cut it out. Ann: I won’t listen if you keep swearing. George: Bollocks int swearing Ann: Lalalalala George: Fuck on the other hand. Ann: Laalalalalalaal George: Alright I won’t. Why don’t you like swearing anyway? Ann: Elsie Never swore. Told me it was bad. George: Oh. Yeah my Gran was the same. Still I bet she swore when you weren’t listening. Ann: No. Never. I was always there you see. George: Always? Ann: Yes. George: Even on the loo?

Ann: No... Not often. George: I bet she spoke like an Irishman’s .... when you weren’t there. Ann: No. George: I bet she did. Ann: She wouldn’t. Her dad was a sailor. George: There you go. Or was he whiter than white too? Ann: No. She didn’t like her dad.

George: Same. Look at all this tat. Hey there’s some records here. The Picture of Dorian Gray read by Hurd Hatfield. Bobby and Betty go to the Moon. Olivia Newton John Physical workout shred........ David Whitfield...

Ann: Caramia. George: Yeah. Hell you’ve got good eyesight. Read that right through me. Ann: It was Elsie’s favourite. Put it on. George: No.

Ann: Put it on.

George: We’ve not got a record player.

Ann: On your phone then.

George: I’ve not got any data.

Ann: Use the Cafe s wifi next door. That’s what you use when you go to look at those dirty videos in the loo.

George: I don’t. Ann: You do.

George: I don’t... I am signed in though because I had to send an email to...You’ve not told Mrs Foziard about that have you?

Ann: Don’t be daft. To her I’m a puppet. Remember. She’d have a triple bypass if I started telling her what you get up to in the loos.

George: How do you know?

Ann: Because you always have a wet patch on your shirt where you’ve been trying to clean your... excrement off. Don’t worry its perfectly natural.

George: Well I can’t do it at the hostel. Ann: You’re avoiding the subject George. George: I’m just surprised at your sleuth. Ann: Put Caramia on by David Whitfield. George: Alright. How do you spell Caramia? Is it with a c or a k? Ann: It’s on the record. C.

George: Oh yeah. Here it is.

Caramia Ann: That’s it. I’m back there. George: Where? Ann: With Elsie. I was so happy. George: It’s not th... Ann: Shush. I’m listening. That’s the Manitoni orchestra.

George: I thought that was a soup. Ann: Manitoni. Not Minestrone. George: It was a joke. Ann: Shush. I love that choir. George: Sounds like Disney.

Ann: That’s the point. I was Elsie’s fairytale. Hey what’s happened? Why’s it stopped? George: Buffering. And. And.And we’re back. Eh cheer up. It’s back on. Ann: I miss her so much. George I never wanted her to go. I wanted to go with her. George: Did she make you?

Ann: Yes.

George: Did she make any other puppets? Ann: No. I don’t like that word. Elsie made me because she had to. She... got pregnant.

unmarried to a polish man. He was left over from the war. Her father went mad. Her mother understood. She met him whilst working at the YMCA. She never told me his name. Wouldn’t speak it. He left. Went back to Poland the day after she told him she was having his child. He didn’t believe her accused her of all... he wasn’t very nice. Perhaps he was scared. It didn’t matter Elsie was alone. Her mother persuaded her father to let her stay in the house as long as she gave up the child when it was born.

George: What did she do? Ann: Exactly that. She called the child Clive. George: Why aren’t you a boy?

Ann: She wanted to make me like him but it was too painful. When she was pregnant she thought she was having a girl. She thought if she had a girl then her father would find it harder to send it away.

George: Did she find him? Ann: No. Never looked. I was all she needed. She always said... George: So he’s still out there?

Ann: I don’t know. He never got in touch. She gave him away after a week. I think that was what hurt the most. Her mother was doing her best trying to persuade her dad to let her

keep him but he wasn’t having any of it. She stalled him for a week but that week was a limbo. Like waiting to be sold.

George: Don’t be daft you’ll be bought by a nice kid. You’ll go to a good home.

Ann: I’ll get discarded after a year or two. Elsie never treated me like a toy. I was her child. So a week after his birth a couple from Shropshire, friends of Elsie’s dad came and got him. Never spoke of again until after the father died. When Elsie gave Clive up her and her mum and dad moved up here. Practically straight away.

George: hmmm Ann: Get away from... Anyway about a month after Elsie made me. George: Did She have any other Boyfriends? Ann: No. George: What never? She wasn’t a lesbian was she? Ann: No. just didn’t want the trouble. George: She must have had urges. Ann: No.

George: How do you know?

Ann: She was with me all the time. She would have told me. She lived with her parents her dad died. Her mum carried on for a while after then it was just me and her. until about a year ago when her cousin Karen heard she was ill and then she started hovering round. She never liked Elsie much. I tried to tell her but she wouldn’t have any of it.

George: After her money?

Ann: Why else would she bother appearing. Still her sons moved Elsie’s bed downstairs for her. But Karen kept putting me back upstairs when Elsie wasn’t looking. My house was upstairs but Elsie wanted me to be with her.

George: What happened at the end?

Ann: Nothing really just age. She was ninety two. George: Crikey. Ann: Things just went down hill for her. She was fiercely independent. She was a teacher. George: I hate teachers. Self righteous little....

Ann: Not Elsie. You would have loved Elsie. She taught in a special needs school. She was always their favourite. She used to take me in with her but I was too shy to talk. But in her last year she stopped driving when her car failed it’s MOT and she stopped going out. She

had a couple of falls. It was all very civilised. There was no grand deathbed scene. The doctors told her not to go up stairs anymore and the house wasn’t suitable for a stairlift but she’d sneak up to talk to me every night. Then of course the neighbours who knew of Elise’s problems saw the lights on upstairs and called Karen to come over. Elsie of course denied going up the stairs but.... She could be tricky like that when she wanted to be.

George: I’ve got to....

Ann: Get off?

George: No. I would never wank after you told me that stuff. I mean I will eventually but not straight away. I’ll leave it an hour at least. I might try one in the bus station toilets or on the back seat..... Oh god I see what you mean. Yes I’ve got to get off home now. Well not home but the hostel yes I...

Ann: Can you kiss me? George: What?

Ann: Will you kiss me? George:......................... Where? Ann: Here. George: bue...eee.....errrr. I it might be a bit.... Ann: Fine. George:(Kisses on forehead and bolts out the door) Must... Ann: Get off now? George: Miss me bus....

Ann to camera.

Train rides to the seaside where always fun. Me and Mum in Kiss me Quick hats. Dipping our toes in the freezing cold Irish Sea. The donkey rides.

Sleeping on the way home. Ice cream dripping on me.

Ann: So your mum’s been married four times? Is that right?

George: Yeah. Every one of them a total... Ann: Have any of them died?

George: Not that I know of. They didn’t when they were with her. I thought the stress might have got Barry. He was hubby number two. He was with her when I was six. Right little terror I was. He was sweet really... Posh car. He had a big house an all. On Vicky Dock. He used to drive us round all over. Peugeot something... I’ve never been one for cars me. He had a good job too. Worked for council. Something big in housing. He sorted us a nice flat. We jumped the waiting list. He had a dog too.

Ann: What kind? George: Chow. Ann: Auf Wiedersen. George: No a Chow. Ann: I know, I’m only messing. George: How do you know about dog breeds? Ann: I live in a charity shop. There’s always books on looking after dogs. Never ones on

looking after people but always ones on dogs.

George: Dogs come first see. That’s part of the reason why my mum gave him the elbow. That and... well he wasn’t very bothered about the other.

Ann: What other? George: You know S.E.X.. Ann: Oh.

George: He lived with his mother til he was thirty five. I hope I don’t end up like that. No I’d have killed her by then. I’d make it look like it was an accident. She tripped on a butty and slipped out of the window. When his mother died he thought a dog would make him feel better then he got me mother and lumbered with me. My mother is a very loud and

very active shagger. Barry was well a bit limp and a bit of a lump. A limp lump. She was wasted on him he wanted a domestic godess and he got a nymphomaniac who just wanted a bigger council flat. She couldn’t even make toast on a grill.

Ann: What about your dad?

George: Dunno. I’ve never met him. I’ve heard so many things about him... He was in a band. He shot an old lady for a fiver to get a bag of chips. He was in the circus as a freak act and escaped met my mum in Taveners married her the next day and got captured back into the circus. He worked on pylons. He’s from Cleethorpes.

Ann: Don’t you want to find him?

George: Not if any of that stuff is true. Husband number three was called Cliff! He was a kid really. Started seeing my mum when he was 16. His mam was my mum’s, cousin’s best friend’s sister so it was sort of incest. He used to have his hair spiked up like... he hated me. I was only about seven years younger than him. He used to sit outside the flat for hours in his car. It was bright yellow. He played Agadoo on repeat really loud. I think he must have been on something. Perhaps he was remembering happier times... I felt sorry for him but he was a weirdo.

Ann: What happened to him? George: Well he was up a ladder on a church roof. And he fell. Ann: ouch.

George: He knackered his back. Tried to get compensation but the church accused him of trying to nick their lead. Apparently he didn’t have permission to be up there. He said he was putting it back after he found it dumped by the roadside.

Ann: Did your mum believe him? George: No. None of us did.

Ann: Good. Stealing is bad. I’m glad your mum left him over dishonesty.

George: Oh no she wasn’t bothered about that. His back meant he couldn’t give her the other...

Ann: S.E.X.?

George: Exactly. For four months so she started getting it off Derek. He’s her latest squeeze. He is the most boring bastard I have ever met. He’s an ugly...

Ann: George! Be mice and don’t swear.

George: He’s an ugly git as well. He wears the same vest everyday and sits around in his boxers picking out... I don’t know what, from in between his toes, whiskers and bum crack. He puts a little pile of dead skin and fluff on the arm of his chair.

Ann: Disgusting. George: I know. Apparently he’s magic at the other. Ann: S.E.X.?

George: Yes. I could hear them every night. He gets disability for his sciatica. If the DWP could hear what he does to my mother with his problem I bet they’d deem him fit for work. He kicked me out.

Ann: Why?

George: He says he’s spiritual. Supposed to be a shaman or something, calls himself Four Ferrets. He retrieves people’s souls. He’s got my mum well hooked into it. He believes I’m full of bad spirits. Possessed...

Ann: By what?

George: An owl. Apparently an owl’s energy is not compatible with a ferret’s. So I was kicked out.

Ann: Didn’t your mum stop him? George: No. Men come first. Ann: That’s awful. George: No it’s not. I went to live with my Gran. She was sick. Ann: Oh.

George: Sick cool. Not sick dying. I mean she ended up sick dying. But when I first moved in she was just sick cool.

Ann: Is that why you’re in the hostel?

George: Yeah. She died and all the family wanted to get through all her stuff and sell it and... I mean it was a rented place too so they had to do it quick like. I got a box of it. But she was sweet. Used to smoke in bed. It was like a jungle her bedroom. She thought by having plants all around her bed it would swap the air for oxygen so the smoking wouldn’t be bad for her. It didn’t work.

Ann: I’m sorry.

George: Me too. She was lovely. She always gave me toffees in golden wrappers as a child and I’d suck on them for hours. And she used to put sugar in my lemonade to make it fizz up over the surface. She was the best friend I ever had. I wish I’d moved in sooner. It was awful at the end. She was in a hospice. The relatives had already started sorting out her stuff so I was the only one with her when it happened. Within seconds she was cold and stiff and I was crying. They’re used to it in the hospice. They were very kind. They took me away and gave me a chocolate hob knob or was it a ginger nut? I can’t remember funny what stays

and what doesn’t. I thought I’d remember that biscuit forever. I do remember it had fluff on it though. Come out of the jar. The jar was sticky.

George: Ann? Ann: Yes George. George: I’ve got you something. Ann: Really?

George: A present. Ann: You hid it from me all day? George: Yeah. I couldn’t give you it in front of the customers. Or Mrs Foziard. Ann: You haven't stolen it have you? George: No. It was in a box of my Gran’s things. Do you want it? Ann: Yeah. George: I wrapped it up and everything. The wrapping paper I nicked though. Ann: George.

George: Just kidding. It’s recycled. It was this kids birthday in the hostel and he had some presents. Anyway I got the paper out of the bin. There’s a bit of a stain on it. I think it’s pizza grease. At first I thought it was that stuff they put on condoms... Spermicide. But I’m pretty sure they don’t make tomato flavoured johnnies yet.

Ann: Thanks. I can’t open it...Felt hands you see. George: Oh yeah... Didn’t think of that...crap...er what shall we do then?

Ann: You could open it? George: Oh yeah. Good idea..... See... Ann: It’s beautiful. George: Its a mandolin. An Ann sized mandolin. Ann: An Anndolin. George: It’s a music box too. Listen. I just wind it up. Like I wind you up and.... See. Ann: Its amazing George... You’re sure it’s not stolen? George: Yes. What do you...

Ann: I know. It’s just you...

George: I know. But I’ve changed. It was my gran’s. She used to have it on her sideboard. On a doily. Brought it back from Spain or somewhere. Her first holiday after my Grandad died. She met a waiter called Og. He had jet black hair and a carpet on his chest. I think he gave it to her on their last night. HA I still don’t know how she got the mandolin. Get it? Eh?

Ann: It’s not funny. George: Okay. Anyway I used to dance around for hours with it. I used to love the tune.

Hmm Hmmm hmmm hmm mmmm. Ann: Do you play any instruments? George: Not reall... Well guitar... a bit. Ann: There’s one over there. Play it. George: No.

Ann: Go on. George: I don’t. Ann: You just said you did. George: Well I did. But I don’t play in front of people. Ann: Do puppets count? George:..... I thought you didn’t like that term? Ann: When it suits. Just play it George. George: I just used to play at my gran’s when no one was in. She was practically deaf

anyway. Oh go on then. WHOLE WIDE WORLD Ann: Did you write it yourself? George: I wish... It’s simple enough. Ann: It’s beautifully simple. George: Ha... It’s Wreckless Eric. Ann: Who?

George: Just this singer from the... Seventies? It’s my mum’s favourite. She had it at all four of her weddings. First dance and everything. I thought If I played it to her she’d stop going off with wankers.

Ann: George George: Fooking piss. Ann: George! George: What?

Ann: Don’t swear.... Mustn’t... Shouldn’t swear theres no need. George: Sorry. It’s just... I like it. Ann: Like what? George: Swearing. Course.

Ann: It’s stupid.

George: It makes me feel... Try it.

Ann: No. I don’....

George: Go on. Just F. just once.

Ann: No.

George: You'll like it.

Ann: Well I don’t like it. If you swear again I won’t speak to you. In fact I’ll die... And stay dead.

George: You’re not alive anyway. You're just a puppet...

Ann: George. George: Or a doll. I forget wh.... Ann: George, I am.... I have never been so insulted in.... George: You want to get out more. Ann: Take it back George. You're really horrid when you want to be.

George: Look Ann I can just walk away. Anytime I like. Just cash up and walk out of this dump and never see you again. You couldn’t follow me.

Ann: I could.

George: How?

Ann: I wouldn’t want to after what you said to me. But I could if I wanted.

George: How? How could you follow me? You’ve got no legs. You're a flipping puppet.

Ann: George!... If I wanted to follow you I would persuade your mum to buy me and then I’d come home with you and you’d be stuck with me.

George: Persuade my mum to buy you? She wouldn’t buy you in a million Sundays. What

would she want with a grubby old doll? Ann: Fuck off... Go on... Fuck off. George: Ann! Ann: There we are you pushed me... I swore... Twice I swore. Fuck you George. George: Thrice. Feel good?

Ann: What? George: Feel good to swear? Ann: George I’m not talking to you. You hurtful bastard. George: Haha so that’s a yes then? Ann: I thought you weren't interested in a grubby old doll. George: No. I said my mum wouldn’t be. Not at thirty quid. Ann: Just... Go and... Go and... George: Go on do it.

Ann: Go and.... George: You really want to... Ann: Just go and shit on your mum’s face you twat, fuck, arse, willy. George: Twat, fuck, arse willy! That’s ace. Ann: What? George: I was just winding you up. Trying to get you to swear.

Ann: It worked you poo brain. George: Shithead. You enjoyed it though... Ann: Bastard. George: I love you Ann Ann: I love you too George. George: I wish...

Ann: What?

George: I wish I could buy you... I don’t ha

Ann: I know.

George: Mrs Foziard says that you'll have to be sold soon or they'll throw out your house and put you on the shelf with the bears. You'll be reduced to £7.99.

Ann: But why?

George: Don’t have the space. Capitalist tw...

Ann: George!

George: Twits.

Ann: But its a charity shop.

George: I know. I hoped you'd never get sold. Then we could carry on like this. Until, I could get enough money to buy you.

Ann: I want that too. I think Elise would want me to... Even if you do swear. George: I know. I’m saving up. Being proactive.

Ann: Are you?

George: Yeah. There’s a wishing fountain in town. And I know its unethical but I’ve been taking coins out. Problem is I got caught by this old bloke. He made me put it all back. At the moment I’ve got on pound ninety eight and a soggy sleeve.

Ann: Oh George. George: I could steal you. Ann: From a charity? George: I suppose... It wouldn’t be easy anyway. Stealing oranges is easy. But I’d look

funny charging down New Court Road with your house on my shoulders. Anyway there would be no space in the hostel.

Ann: You’ll be back with your mum soon.

George: Yeah. I don’t think Desmond would approve. Their flats on the sixteenth floor. The lift is broke. It’s always broke but this time its because kids have been shitting in it and its seeped through the gaps and got the cogs clogged up or something.

Ann: It wasn’t you was it? George: No. No I reckon it was Rasher.

Ann: Rasher?

George: Yeah. He was a proper disgusting kid at my school. We used to nick vodka together. Go Swig it by the river. His real name is Kieran Bailey... But everyone calls him rasher. Once when we were thirteen we’d gone to the river... my gran had run out of vodka cause we’d drank it the week before, his mam had drank all their booze so I’d nicked my gran’s Pernod. Trust me its fowl. Anyway when we where pleasantly sloshed Kieran who was as sexually frustrated as the next thirteen year old got an erection and decided to relieve it in the mud. It was low tide. So he’s like this. He’s going like this. Within about fifteen seconds he’s completely submerged. There’s all sorts in that mud. Leeches, prams, bodies...

Ann: Bodies?

George: Yeah Kristine Denby was trying to lose her virginity on the stoney bit near the edge when she saw this bone poking out the water and it turned out to be celtic or something and there was a chariot and stuff next to it. It was in all the papers. Anyway Kieran Bailey was covered and we couldn’t find anywhere to hose him down. We got worried he might catch something...

Ann: A fish?

George: No like hepaticas or syphilis. It was probably the Pernod talking. So we broke into this cemetery and using them things you put flowers in and the tap I got him cleaned. He

was caked in it though. I’m glad no one saw us they’d have thought there was an apocalypse.

Ann: But why was he called Rasher?

George: Oh yeah. Well when I got all the river gunk off him he had this rash that was in the shape of a baby dolphin. the next day at school it was all pussy and green. Like the algae had clung to his face.

Ann: Poor Rasher. George: Yeah. He’s tee-total now. I’d better...

Ann: Don’t go. Cup of tea? George: Ann. Firstly you know I don..

Ann: Drink tea or coffee or anything hot. I know. Just stay a little while longer. It’s cold and dark when you’re gone.

George: It’s nearly six o clock. If I don... Ann: I know you get locked out. ...Why don’t you stay? George: Here?

Ann: Yeah. I do. Every night. What’s wrong with it?

George: But... It’s a shop. I can’t just bed down behind the counter.

Ann: We could stay up and talk all night.

George: Aren’t you fed up of talking to me?

Ann: No... Not at all.

George: Ugeh I don’t know. It would be weird.

Ann: Why?

George: Look I have to stay at the hostel or they’ll get rid of my stuff give my room to someone else.

Ann: So. There’s stuff here. You hate that place.

George: Yeah but I can’t just live in a shop. It won’t always be like this. We will have somewhere of...

Ann: Our own one day. Yeah I know. But I’m so lonely here. I spent my whole life with Elsie everyday every night. We stayed up for hours and hours. These last eight weeks I’ve

had to... I don’t know how to be on my own.

George: That’s the problem. Ann: What? George: Being on my own is all I know how to do. Ann: But you’re lonely. George: Yes. I’m lonely. It could be worse. I’ve learnt how to be lonely. Ann: It couldn’t be worse. I can’t stand it. I’m going mad.

George: Why? Everyone says being lonely is bad but what is so bad about it? Is it the thought of loneliness? What is it?

Ann: Yes it’s the thought. Its more than that It’s a fear that I won’t see you or be able to talk again. You said you loved me.

George: I do. Ann: Well people who love each other shouldn’t be lonely. George: Maybe. But they often are.

Ann: Wh...

George: Circumstance. Look if I don’t go now...

Ann: Fine... I can’t lock you in.

George: Promise I’ll be back first thing.

Ann: Don’t you dare break that promise. George? Promise me things won’t always be like this. Promise it. Promise that we can...

George: I promise I will take you away from here. Ann: When? George: Soon. Ann: What date though?

George: I dunno. Soon. Ann: If you promise a date then you can’t break it. George: Fine... I’ll take you tomorrow.

Ann: How? you’ll never get the money for tomorrow. George: Then I’ll speak to Mrs Foziard. I’ll pay in instalments. Ann: Take me now. George: I thought I wasn’t to steal from charities. Ann: I know but I can’t bare it. Take me. George: I’d never get the house through the door. Plus there’s CCTV. Ann: They never check it.

George: No but they would if you disappeared. Look I promise I’ll speak to Mrs Foziard tomorrow. I love you good night Ann.

Ann: Good Night George.

Ann to Camera Falling is a funny feeling. A feeling that is unavoidable. I avoided falling for so long. Perhaps I’m due a fall again.

George: Ann! Annie? I’ve got it Ann. I sorted the money. I... Ann? Sarah: Hullo. George: Who are you? Sarah: Sarah. I’m new here. Isn’t it terrible?

George: What? Why’s that shelf all messed up I sorted it yesterday?

Sarah: We got robbed. Broken in.

George: Your kidding?

Sarah: They didn’t take much. Amateurs really couldn’t get the till open. Not that cash is kept on these premises. Just took a couple of books and toys. They smashed....

George: Did they take Ann?

Sarah: Ann? Who’s Ann? Do you mean Mrs Foziard? No she wasn't in. She's gone out the back having a flush, before the police arrive. What a day for my induction. I’m only doing it for my Duke of Edinburgh award. Is that why you work here?

George: Ann? Annie? She’s not here.

Sarah: Who?

George: Ann. She’s a frie.... a puppet.

Sarah: You where going to say friend. Weren't you? Ha. I never thought I’d meet someone who was friends with a puppet. That’s hilarious.

George: Look have you seen her? She lived in this house. Sarah: I can see working here will be a hoot.

George: Have you seen her? We where going away together today. Sarah: You're cracked. George: Ann. Sarah: Oh that?

George: Not that. Ann. it’s alright I’m here Where’s your mandolin? Ann speak to me. Sarah: She was squashed under the till. Mrs Foziard had to move her to open it. Mrs

Foziard said not to touch anything. Not until the police got here. You're tampering with evidence.

George: Ann whisper in my ear. Please let me know you're okay.

Sarah: No one locked the door last night. There was no glass. They left the keys in the door. They just opened it up. Where you the last in?

George: Oh god. I had to run for my bus. I must have forgot and now they’ve caved Annes head in I will never forgive myself.

Sarah: It’s just a puppet.

George: You will never understand... Anne I’ve.. I got the money. I learnt a song last night. Please, please speak to me. I’ll never swear again I promise. I’ll always love you. Listen. (Picks up guitar plays Cara mia)

Sarah: You're tampering with more evidence.You’ve lost it. If getting my Duke of Edinburgh wasn't vastly going to improve my life choices no way would I work with you. I’m going to get Mrs Foziard.

This was written after reading The Secret Life of Plays by Steve Waters and was heavily influenced by conversations Mariette and I had and chance meetings with people in ordinary places.  The twee elements are developed out of the frustration of not having a location. The endless frustration I felt living in rented accommodation.

We read the play with Jason.

It seemed to be an enormous task.

With Jason’s help we worked out what we wanted to achieve.

Art work about Home. Home is such an important construct.

Both Bella and I have a shared and not shared home history.

Creating our Home was an extremely important task.

It took planning and mistakes.

We are still not satisfied.      

Many people have less than us.

We are in a relatively lucky position.

During this meeting I came up with the idea of getting an audience to answer questions on home. I decided that wings attached to the booth would be the best way of executing this. I bashed out its form and structure. I decided chalk and black board would be the best way of creating this. I set Bella the task of making this come to life whilst I came up with questions.