The Hunting of the Snark

The 2015 film, The Hunting of the Snark, is a unique, grand-scale animation from the UK that vividly brings to life the strange and nonsensical world from the classic Lewis Carroll poem of the same name. Directed by Saranne Bensusan, written by Lewis Carroll and Saranne Bensusan, and produced by Lawrence Mallinson and Saranne Bensusan, the film features an ensemble cast that includes Laurence Aldridge, Saranne Bensusan, Simon Fox, and others.

The animated film is a fascinating blend of fantasy, humor, and adventure. The Hunting of the Snark is a narrative journey showcasing the relentless quest of an offbeat bunch of mismatched explorers, including a Bellman, a Butcher, a Banker, a Barrister, and a Beaver, who venture out to sea in pursuit of a whimsical, mythical creature known as the "Snark."

Their voyage starts off promisingly; however, as time goes on, the audience becomes acutely aware that these adventurers are unprepared for the curveballs that the sea throws their way. The characters are quirky and engaging, each one with their own idiosyncrasies and distinct personas. They are all unified by their shared goal of capturing the elusive Snark, despite having no idea of what the Snark actually is!

The voice acting is commendable, anchored by the performances of Laurence Aldridge, Saranne Bensusan, and Simon Fox. Aldridge and Fox breathe life into their characters with their precise timing, while Bensusan's directorial skills showcase a keen sense for the complex world Lewis Carroll created.

The animation quality of the film is starkly reminiscent of earlier stop-motion works, appearing almost textured at times. This vintage style adds to the overall charm and whimsy of the film, echoing the fantastical quirk and uniqueness of Lewis Carroll's original poem. It feels experimental in nature and it is clear that much attention to detail has gone into crafting each model and each set. A back-and-forth between computer-generated and stop-motion animation techniques gives a nod to the older style of animation while also taking advantage of what technology has to offer.

The Hunting of the Snark is set against a backdrop of beautiful seas and wild, surreal landscapes that push the boundaries of your imagination. Various creatures that our explorers meet along the way only add to the unpredictability of their journey, lending an enchanting unpredictability to their quest. This keeps the storyline moving at an engaging pace, while always adhering to the spirit of Lewis Carroll's famed sense of absurdity and whimsy.

Apart from the noteworthy visuals, another strong point of the film is its musical score. The music complements the onscreen action, often working to heighten the sense of adventure and underline the uncanny situations in which the characters find themselves. Composed by Ricardo Alvarez, the music seamlessly weaves through the storyline, accentuating the dramatic and comedic moments alike.

In the end, the most striking aspect of The Hunting of the Snark is how it captures the nonsensical spirit of Carroll's original poem. Whether it's the delightfully absurd situations the characters find themselves in, or the unexpected paths their journey takes, the film is an enjoyable trip through a unique world that goes beyond the realm of reason.

The Hunting of the Snark may encompass everything the audience might recall if familiar with the original poem and offers a unique perspective to those unacquainted with Carroll's work. The film offers a visually rich, entertaining, and thought-provoking exploration of Carroll's world, making it a must-watch for fans of Carroll's writings, as well as for animation enthusiasts in general. Regardless of your familiarity with the source material, this film is sure to take you on a refreshingly peculiar journey of curiosity and amusement.