Educational Media Reviews Online

Third time is undeniably a charm, with Cordell Baker's animated film Runaway. Well known for his two earlier, highly acclaimed, animated short films The Cat Came Back and Strange Invaders, Baker impresses again with this reflective, brisk and charmingly bouncy look at the societal woes of capitalism, classism, a declining work ethic and the abuse of nature.

Baker cleverly and expertly packs all of this in to a 9-minute package of his delicately hand-drawn animation and a rollicking soundtrack provided by Triplets of Belleville maestro Benoit Charest. Here, the train cars work effectively as a delineation of social strata, working down, if you will from the engine, back to the caboose. Hats figure prominently in this film - with class distinctions and personalities revealed accordingly - the train's captain sports an ornate feathery bicorn (something akin to a sea admiral's hat), the capitalist money men inhabiting the second car don the requisite stovepipe, the middle car folks - poor, rural working class - sport conical brightly colored party hats (women's adorned with flowers), and the three men sleeping in the caboose can be identified as train conductors or ushers by their recognizable caps. Only the coalman and cow remain hatless, everyman and nature respectively.

Ultimately, this is a caustic tale of battle (man against machine, man against man, man against nature) with a somewhat hopeful ending. Baker provides a jolting burst of color in the final scene with the requisite and alluringly rosy glow of a sunset. No spoiler here, watch the film to see who walks off as victor…

This film is highly recommended for people interested in animation, short film and social or economic issues, and stereotypes. Film may easily be used in Jr. High classrooms and up to motivate discussions on these and other similar topics.

Awards

• Petit Rail d’Or for Best Short Film, Cannes Film Festival
• Special Jury Prize, Annecy International Animated Film Festival