Yuri Norstein’s animation exudes a concentrated feeling, progressing in gentle bursts of images and flashes of a time that may not even have existed. The atmosphere of dance pavilions seeps through a strangely familiar yet alien melody, tenderness fades into the air and a raw breeze of death sweeps away the memories.
A little wolf dog is rocking on a pedal sewing machine in the garden, perhaps wondering why he should take the baby with him – what funny things they sing? A baby is born as the creation of the mother, the story as the creation of the storyteller. The little wolf wants it, to steal the glowing, irresistible treasure. A screaming, frightened, precious little person, the greatest treasure.
In winter, the boy eats an apple and rises above the harsh reality. Different dimensions mix in the heat of summer. A minotaur jumps rope with a carefree girl. A fish might dive from the sky, a drifter wanders across the landscape and disappears. The living characters are delightful, and the bittersweet short dream gives you a glimpse of a secret.
Mia Öhman