More

"More" is a groundbreaking, thought-provoking, and visually striking animated short film released in 1998 written and directed by Mark Osborne, who later gained prominence for co-directing Kung Fu Panda.

The story unfolds in a gloomy and monotonous world, where an inventive but despairing inventor resides. Identified only as the 'inventor', our protagonist is stuck in the pitiless universe of industrialism. Despite his humble position on the socio-economic scale, his ingenuity holds the potential to change the world, but his creativity and passion are shackled by the dispiriting reality of his life.

Wrapped in depressing shades of grey, daily life for the inventor revolves around an oppressive factory job where identical, faceless workers mechanically produce the same uninspired product day in-day out, exemplifying the ennui of an unchanging routine. Dejected yet hope-filled eyes of the inventor yearn for more in this bleak existence, providing a stark contrast to the dullness around him.

Amid this desolation, the inventor nurtures a dream - to create a device that could take people away from their mundane lives and give them a glimpse into a more colorful and joyful world. His dreams take form at night when he crafts an innovative pair of goggles, named 'Bliss'. Given the gloomy tones of the world, it is no surprise that the Bliss goggles, which allow the wearer to immerse themselves in a vivid and radiant dreamscape, quickly captivate the masses.

Aptly using color as a tool, the film contrasts the dreary grayscale world with explosive hues and the vibrant colors seen by the Blisswearers. This creates an intense paradox between the stark reality and the artificial euphoria, questioning the nature of happiness, creativity, and commercialism. The irony of seeking solace in an artificial world questions the vulnerability of human emotions and calls to reflect upon the commercialized society we live in.

While the inventor initially creates the Bliss goggles to spread happiness, they soon become mass-produced objects of desire as people start to demand more of them. This leads to an intriguing shift in the narrative where the goggles, symbolizing joy and relief, become a source of obsession for the public—fuelling a chilling study on addiction, mental health, consumerism, and capitalism as the inventor’s once empowering device now controls his reality.

As an excellent example of short film storytelling, "More" presents its characters without dialogue, instead relying on the visual setting, animation, and a stunningly poignant soundtrack by New Order to convey its powerful narrative. This enhances the viewer's ability to connect emotionally with the characters and the narrative's underlying themes.

Underlying the desolation and hope, "More" is ultimately a bittersweet ode to the creative mind's endless persistence to strive for happiness even in the harshest circumstances. This film explores profound themes of human isolation, the need for happiness, the power of dreams, and how easily they can be exploited.

“More” achieved significant acclaim for its ambitious stop-motion animation, creating a visually captivating spectacle despite its grim atmosphere. It was also a groundbreaking piece regarding content, given its full realization of mature themes in a format usually associated with children's stories at the time.

This remarkable film received high praise from critics and audiences alike and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in 1999. It also had the honor of being the first-ever IMAX animated short film.

Overall, "More" stands as a memorable piece of animation history for its ambitious themes, emotional depth, brilliant animation, and powerful message. It may be a short film, but the themes it addresses and the questions it raises stay with viewers long after the end credits roll.