Pumpkins and Old Lace 2011
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010; 800-542-2164
Produced by Jean Pierre Lemouland, Julie Roy, Olivier Catherine & Serge Elissalde
Directed by Juliette Loubieres
DVD, color, 8 min.
Jr. High - General Adult
Animation, Claymation, Fairy Tale Film, Gerontology, Humor
Date Entered: 06/25/2012
Reviewed by Hope Marie Cook, Curriculum Center Librarian, Eastern Connecticut State UniversityIn this short animated film a photographer explores the everyday life of residents in a nursing/retirement home while on a mission to find the most photogenic elderly individual to star in his urinary incontinence diaper company advertisement. The characters are believable, and the story and the visual effects are enticing and somewhat chaotic but original. The humor and language of this puppet animation with references to popular fairytales, is a bit advanced for elementary children. Some of the language is a bit over-the-top with depictions of the elderly that might be a bit offensive to the general population. The script is humorous; the message is melancholy, yet hopeful. Students who are contemplating a career in filmmaking might be interested in viewing this film for technique. Classroom teachers might use this film to discuss negative stereotypes and how the media portrays senior adults. This short animation is recommended for middle and high school students and can be watched in both English and French language.