Gertie the Dinosaur
Introduction
Gertie the Dinosaur is a pioneering animated short film created by American cartoonist and animator Winsor McCay. Released in 1914, it is one of the earliest examples of traditional animation and is often credited with establishing many of the fundamental techniques and principles that would become standard in the animation industry. The film features a character named Gertie, a playful and anthropomorphic dinosaur, who interacts with her creator in a series of humorous and endearing sequences.
Historical Context
Early Animation
The early 20th century was a period of significant experimentation and innovation in the field of animation. Prior to the release of "Gertie the Dinosaur," animation was primarily used for short, simple sequences that were often integrated into live-action films. These early animations, known as Lightning Sketches, typically featured an artist drawing a character or scene in real-time, with the drawings coming to life through the use of stop-motion techniques.
Winsor McCay
Winsor McCay was a prominent newspaper cartoonist known for his detailed and imaginative comic strips, such as Little Nemo in Slumberland. McCay's interest in animation was sparked by his desire to bring his characters to life in a more dynamic and engaging way. His first foray into animation was the 1911 film "Little Nemo," which featured animated sequences based on his comic strip of the same name. This early work laid the groundwork for the more ambitious project that would become "Gertie the Dinosaur."
Production
Concept and Development
McCay conceived "Gertie the Dinosaur" as both an entertainment piece and a demonstration of the potential of animation as an art form. The film was initially created as part of McCay's vaudeville act, where he would interact with the animated Gertie on stage, giving commands that the character would seemingly obey. This interactive element was a novel and engaging way to showcase the capabilities of animation.
Animation Techniques
"Gertie the Dinosaur" employed several innovative techniques that were groundbreaking at the time. McCay used keyframe animation, where key poses of the character were drawn first, and the in-between frames were filled in later. This method allowed for smoother and more natural movement. Additionally, McCay utilized registration marks to ensure that each frame was aligned correctly, preventing the character from appearing to "jump" or shift position between frames.
Labor-Intensive Process
The production of "Gertie the Dinosaur" was an extremely labor-intensive process. McCay personally drew each of the film's approximately 10,000 frames, a task that took him nearly a year to complete. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in the fluid and expressive animation of Gertie, which was far more advanced than most other animations of the time.
Plot and Structure
Synopsis
The film opens with a live-action introduction featuring Winsor McCay and his colleagues. McCay bets that he can bring a dinosaur to life through animation, and the remainder of the film is the animated sequence featuring Gertie. Gertie is introduced as a playful and curious dinosaur who interacts with various elements in her environment, such as a tree and a lake. Throughout the film, McCay appears on screen to give Gertie commands, which she follows in a humorous and endearing manner.
Key Scenes
One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when Gertie lifts a large rock and throws it into a lake, causing a splash. This scene showcases McCay's skill in animating complex actions and interactions with the environment. Another notable scene is when Gertie interacts with a woolly mammoth, demonstrating her playful and mischievous nature.
Impact and Legacy
Influence on Animation
"Gertie the Dinosaur" had a profound impact on the animation industry. It demonstrated the potential of animation as a medium for storytelling and character development, paving the way for future animators to explore more complex and ambitious projects. The film's use of keyframe animation, registration marks, and other techniques became standard practices in the industry.
Cultural Significance
The character of Gertie became an iconic figure in the history of animation, representing the early days of the medium and the pioneering spirit of its creators. The film is often cited as one of the first examples of an animated character with a distinct personality and emotional range, setting a precedent for future animated characters.
Preservation and Recognition
"Gertie the Dinosaur" has been preserved and recognized as a significant work in the history of animation. In 1991, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film continues to be studied and celebrated by animation historians and enthusiasts.
Technical Analysis
Animation Techniques
The animation techniques used in "Gertie the Dinosaur" were groundbreaking for their time. McCay's use of keyframe animation allowed for more fluid and natural movement, while registration marks ensured that each frame was aligned correctly. These techniques helped to create a sense of continuity and realism that was unprecedented in early animation.
Character Design
Gertie's design was carefully crafted to convey a sense of personality and emotion. McCay used exaggerated expressions and body language to make Gertie appear playful and endearing. The character's large eyes and expressive face allowed for a wide range of emotions, making her one of the first animated characters to have a distinct personality.
Backgrounds and Environment
The backgrounds and environments in "Gertie the Dinosaur" were relatively simple, allowing the focus to remain on the character of Gertie. McCay used minimalistic backgrounds to create a sense of depth and space, with the character interacting with various elements in her environment. This approach helped to emphasize Gertie's movements and actions, making them more impactful.