New Shots, November #1 2023

René Laloux

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René Laloux is a renowned French animation director who has made major contributions to the world of filmmaking. After introducing two new additions from his repertoire to our collection, we take the opportunity today to spotlight this acclaimed director. His acclaimed first film, "Fantastic Planet,", which has been added previously on Flim, won the Grand Prix du Jury at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival for its distinctive visual style and compelling storytelling, marking the beginning of his career as an animated film director. "Fantastic Planet" is a unique work, set on a strange, dystopian planet and exploring themes of power, oppression and evolution.

One of his most emblematic creations, 'Gandahar,', is an eloquent example of his artistic talent. Produced in 1987, the film benefited from the collaboration of the famous cartoonist Caza. The plot takes place in a futuristic universe threatened by mysterious forces. The protagonist, Sylvain, sets out on a quest for truth and salvation for his world. He embarks on an epic adventure where visual beauty blends harmoniously with metaphysical themes such as life, death and resilience, creating a spellbinding cinematic experience.

"The Masters of Time," (1982), adapted from the novel by Stefan Wul, follows the story of Piel, a young boy on the run, and Jaffar, an intergalactic adventurer, as they travel through space in search of their planet. The film stands out for its narrative complexity and its reflection on the notion of time, while the original sets and designs by Moebius (Jean Giraud) enrich the visual universe of this captivating tale.

René Laloux's legacy lies in his ability to transcend the animation genre by offering intellectually stimulating cinematic works in which visual art blends harmoniously with profound philosophical concepts.