The Film Work of Norman McLaren [Paperback]

The Film Work of Norman McLaren examines his films in the context of his objectives. The first part deals with McLarens formative years in Scotland and England and examines his early exposure to the social, artistic, and institutional influences that were to shape his filmic output. The second part deals with McLarens maturation in the USA and Canada. The third part is concerned principally with his mature output. McLarens films contain incongruities, conflicts, and apparent inconsistencies. In exploring these aspects of his work, Terence Dobson examines the technical processes McLaren used in making his films, the oscillation shown in his films between abstract and representational imagery, and the degree of accord between McLarens social and artistic objectives, and his filmic achievements.

. . . This handsome, classy book should prove an indispensable companion to the DVD boxed set of McLaren's work (Norman McLaren, the Master's Edition, 2006). Both pay overdue attention to a brilliant, distinctive innovator who balanced the antithetic passions of social concern and abstract art. . . . Highly recommended.

Part One

Chapter One  An Informative Drawing
Chapter Two  The Early Years
Chapter Three  McLaren at the GPO Film Unit

Part Two

Chapter Four  New York Interlude
Chapter Five  Canada

Part Three

Chapter Six  Technical Processes
Chapter Seven  Confluence and Conflict in Synchromy
Chapter Eight Venus and Mars

Conclusion
Norman McLarens Chronology
Bibliography
Interviews, Films and Recordings

Terence Dobson teaches film animation in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.