Film Review: Ethel & Ernest (UK)

(Fig 1: Movie Poster)

Ethel and Ernest (2016) is the story of British author and illustrator Raymond Briggs. The film doesn't really focus on Raymond himself but more so on his parents. Throughout the film we how Briggs's parents meet right up until the very end, creating a roll coaster ride of emotions for audiences.

(Fig 2: Movie Still)

As mentioned the film focuses on Briggs's parents and how they change. The film spans over 40 years showing how Briggs's parents reacted and dealt with certain life changing events. For example, the war and not knowing whether they'll be bombed or not as well as Ernest being a firefighter during the time was apart of the fire guard and seeing people he knew die. The film takes us through their (Ethel and Ernest) experiences well and it's like you're really experiencing it along with the characters.

(Fig 3: Movie Still)

The film uses hand drawn animation, which seems appropriate considering Briggs's illustrations and using any other type of animation feels like it wouldn't be as authentic. Thompson puts it nicely, "drawing style that's close enough to Briggs for comfort" (Thompson, 2017) This film most probably could work as a live action, however it would lose a bit of Briggs in the process and considering it's a personal story it wouldn't pack as much of a punch. However, hand drawn animation doesn't come any difficulties, like I said the film spans over 40 years meaning the characters change a lot. Roger Mainwood said this about tackling that issue, "they age over 40 years and they have different clothing so I think we ended up with something like 306 or 90 model sheets for them" (Mainwood, 2016) The film tackles a lot of technical issues with animation, however they also have a lot of triumphs. One noticeable but subtle thing the film does is the passing of time. It would happen so seamlessly and the story doesn't stop it keeps going at a brisk pace. For example, the use of the newspaper and television as a way to give more context to the time period.   

(Fig 4, Movie Still)

The film was well received and premiered at the London Film Festival. The crew that worked on the film was around 300 and 175 of that were artists as stated by Camilla Deakin, Producer. Briggs although not physically able to always be in London giving his input, but he had a hand in the character design and story boarding decisions again as stated by Deakin. Overall, this film is a great example of not only animation but storytelling and a better look at Briggs's life.

Illustration List: 

Fig 1, Movie Poster: http://getthechance.wales/2016/11/16/review-ethel-ernest-jonathan-evans/

Fig 2, Movie Still: https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/747864/Ethel-and-Ernest-Raymond-Briggs-film-time-date-cast-trailer

Fig 3, Movie Still: https://homemcr.org/film/ethel-ernest/

Fig 4, Movie Still: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lukethompson/2017/12/18/ethel-and-ernest-when-the-wind-blows-raymond-briggs-book-movie/

Bibliography:

Johnson, J. (2016). Raymond Briggs on the Ethel & Ernest movie: "I spent all the time watching it blubbing away". [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLDCxqV5wg4 [Accessed 2 Mar. 2019].

Thompson, L. (2017). Review: 'Ethel & Ernest' Is The True Story Behind 'When The Wind Blows,' In Animation. [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lukethompson/2017/12/18/ethel-and-ernest-when-the-wind-blows-raymond-briggs-book-movie/#68c389876b84 [Accessed 2 Mar. 2019].