Stories of Cinema

Animated and live-action films share certain cinematic principles. However, a key difference is that in animation nothing is there by happenstance. Even real-world elements such as trees and clouds must be brought into existence. This also is true for every aspect of the characters who inhabit these environments. They move, behave, and emote thanks to animators.

Nearly a century of animated filmmaking—as told through the stories of diverse animation artists—is highlighted in Inventing Worlds and Characters: Animation. Models, puppets, and maquettes of beloved characters are surrounded by illustrations, designs, and other materials that give further insight into the visual styles, themes, and approaches of animation moviemakers. The gallery features films such as Pinocchio (USA, 1940), The Little Mermaid (USA, 1989), Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (UK/USA, 2005), Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (USA, 2018), Flee (Denmark/France/Norway, 2021), and more.