Read the PDF for the theory and the text, but if you are a visual learner, you may want to have YouTube open to search for the clips of the specific animations (like "Street of Crocodiles" or "Red's Dream") that Wells references, as the static images in the PDF often don't do them justice.
Published in 1998, Paul Wells’ book remains the "grammar book" of moving drawings. But finding a static PDF misses the point: Wells argued that animation isn't a genre (like horror or comedy); it is a capable of containing all genres. Understanding Animation Paul Wells Pdf
– What makes animation distinct from live-action film? Wells explores frame-by-frame creation, the illusion of life, and how animation challenges reality. Read the PDF for the theory and the
The book is divided into three main sections: "The Contexts of Animation," "The Language of Animation," and "The Practice of Animation." Throughout these sections, Wells examines various aspects of animation, including its historical development, aesthetic principles, and technical processes. – What makes animation distinct from live-action film
: A "backward-looking" yet redefining category that requires viewers to recognize dominant forms while experiencing a repositioned perspective.
Pair each chapter with a short film on YouTube (e.g., Švankmajer’s Dimensions of Dialogue for surreality, or The Snowman for non-verbal narrative).