Krysar or The Pied Piper (1986), is an adult, stop-motion animation horror/fantasy take on Robert Browning’s folklore, “The Pied Piper of Hamelin”. In this version - similar to that of animators such as Robert Morgan, or a Jan Svankmajer - Jiri Barta uses organic materials such as fur, hair, fabric, both solids and liquids, to create a disorienting look to this world. Gothic, almost German-expressionist buildings tower over the inhabitants, as human-size rats infest the streets.
In here, we see the traditional setting of a city ravaged by rats, the wealthy only budging once this problem affects them, and The Pied Piper steps in to explain how his magical flute skills; skills, which in turn, can dissuade the rat hoard into no longer existing. The townsfolk seeing his skills are, in fact, useful, they promise The Piper a reward. In that instant, our protagonist plays a darkly whimsical tune, calling out all the creatures to himself, bringing them to their death as they one-by-one topple off the city’s edge.
With all this at play, one might assume the story takes direct inspiration from the original tale, but this is where the film offers a unique twist. Coming back for his promised reward, The Piper returns to the wealthy, only to find them going back on their word, laughing in his face. Furious of this betrayal, contrary to the source material, the mythical flutist plays a song that turns everyone in the town into rats, themselves, pulling them to the edge of their city; pulling them into their final, watery grave.
The Pied Piper (Krysar), though perhaps only fifty-three minutes in length, is a stark reminder of morals like keeping one’s word to another and understanding that your deeds will find you out. For the casual watch, I am sure it would not serve the purpose of being a palatable offering. But for the vetted film buff, it keeps the viewer entranced by its startling visuals, masterful storytelling that has no dialogue (except for onomatopoeia, a word used to describe phonetic sounding babble), and effortlessly whisks you away into the clutches of its world. 5/5 Stars.
For all reading this, I wanted to say this: I understand and am quite sure nobody expected me, or anyone else to be posting here right now. But for the sake of time, I would like to thank you all for bringing this to my attention. Starting with Tim, then Chelsea, Beka, Mickey, and everyone else involved.
ReplyDeleteNo matter where you all are on your journey - remember that creativity, and the enjoyment to create in general, IS with you. It follows you all throughout wherever you go, and is manifested in all you do. Have a wonderful afternoon!