Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a spellbinding documentary film that enormes in 2016, directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey. The movie stars Cosmo Anzilotti, Jane Baer, and Dave Bossert and pays tribute to legendary animator, Floyd Norman.

This documentary introduces us to the life and career of Floyd E. Norman, the first African American animator at Disney. Throughout the film, interviews with Norman, his family, and his peers help paint a picture of this talented and trailblazing individual. Through this captivating narrative, we trace Norman’s journey, from absorbing tales told by his grandmother to his early fascination with Disney movies, from his humble beginnings as a 'clean-up' boy to his rise as the animating force behind some of Disney's most memorable classics.

The story unfolds in a captivating way, with Norman's career at the heart of it all. Clifford, Jane Baer, and Dave Bossert provide deep insights into Norman's craft and the impact he had on Disney. However, this is not merely a recollection of career highlights. The film addresses the wider socio-cultural context of Norman’s professional journey and the unique challenges he faced as a trailblazer in a predominantly white industry. Through the examination of his story, the film subtly presents a broader conversation about race, perseverance, and creative passion.

What sets Floyd Norman: An Animated Life apart, is the personal approach the directors take. They integrate personal interviews, animations, and home movies essentially 'animating' the very essence of Norman's extraordinary life. Throughout the film, directors Fiore and Sharkey exhibit a genuine admiration for Norman, drawing out the qualities that made him a pioneer in animation. The movie doesn’t shy away from the often difficult realities of being the first of anything, especially when it pertains to race. Norman's story is not only inspiring but also deeply reflective of the period and attitudes of the times.

Being a part of Disney's golden age, Norman was awarded the opportunity to work alongside Walt Disney himself, contributing to hits such as Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone, and The Jungle Book. Even when Disney met financial struggles, Norman's perspective on creativity and his dedication to the craft persevered. After he left Disney, Norman went on to establish his own animation company and later returned to Disney as a freelancer in the 1990s.

Stars like Cosmo Anzilotti, Jane Baer, and Dave Bossert lend their voices to this documentary, and their testimonials paint a compelling picture of Floyd Norman as one of the animation industry’s most unique artists still influencing the entertainment industry. They narrate their experiences with Norman, painting intimate details about his personality and touching upon his singular vision about animation. The real beauty of Floyd Norman's Animated life is that while it portrays the life of a giant in animation, it never loses touch with the human being behind the work.

Anzilotti, Baer, and Bossert also share their experiences in the animation industry and how Norman paved the way for future animators' advancement. Anzilotti, a writer, and voice actor in numerous animated films, infuses a wealth of verbal color and depth into the narrative. Meanwhile, Baer and Bossert, both seasoned Disney animators, offer expert insights that add immensely to the film's impact.

Also woven into the narrative is Norman's personal life, including his marriage to fellow Disney employee Adrienne Brown-Norman. The camaraderie that existed between the couple, both personally and professionally, is beautifully shared, demonstrating the love and respect they held for one another and the work they did.

On the whole, Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a film that goes much deeper than just his life as an animator. It looks at this complex man’s life, reflecting the dynamic times he navigated – both within the realm Disney empire and beyond- and examines how his drive and talents shaped the field of animation. It’s an absorbing watch, and a must-see not just for all animation enthusiasts but anyone who enjoys an inspiring, human-centered story.