While CGI is all the rage when it comes to rendering monsters in film (look no further than the CGI-laden finale of IT: CHAPTER II), it's easy to miss the simplicity, creativity, and personality of practical effects from bygone eras, whether it be animatronics, rubber suits, or – in the case of this short – stop motion.
REBOOTED taps into that nostalgia as we follow a stop-motion skeleton from a Ray Harryhausen-esque epic from the '50s auditioning for monster roles in modern films – alongside CG and mocap creatures – and getting frustrated with the constant rejection. However, the film is surprisingly touching and reverent, as well as ultimately holding a nuanced and healthy view on changing norms and the need to embrace the future, while at the same time not forgetting the past.
Here's the official synopsis:
It’s not easy for a movie-star to age – especially when you’re a stop motion animated skeleton monster. Phil, once a terrifying villain of the silver-screen, struggles to find work in modern Hollywood due to being an out-of-date special effect.
There's also a nifty article talking about the behind-the-scenes making of the short from writer-director Michael Shanks – which is both fascinating and informative – that can be found here.
So what'd you guys think? And what's your favorite creature effect? Sound off below!