The Art Of Frankenweenie

The dedication and efforts of various animators and designers is beautifully put on display with sets, sketches and models from the movie Frankenweenie, at the South Bank Centre in the Festival Village. Upon entering, a large board gives a brief summary of what the exhibition aims to portray, and beside it is a refreshment table allowing visitors to have a drink and snack whilst viewing the meticulous constructs that came together to produce Tim Burton’s new stop motion film. 

Behind the board lies three sets from the film which were used in separate scenes, a cabinet containing a variety of hand-made models, early sketches and materials used for characters, as well as a 3D monitor running a trailer for the film. As well as this, one set of the classroom from the film allows guests to peer into it through a window and take a picture, which can be collected from a desk situated at the back of the venue. The cabinet’s contents are all well-lit and well displayed allowing visitors to look at the extremely intricate workings of the models of characters. For instance, the model of Sparky is shown with its skeletal structure and through the stages it took to create the final product. Not only does this display the lengths gone to for animators to achieve Burton’s specifications, but also allows guests a chance to see how stop animation models are constructed, so as to give their movements a distinctive puppet-like effect. 

It was also interesting to view the set of the attic where Victor conceives the resurrection of his deceased dog. The case has seven switches running along the bottom of the outside of the cabinet. Each one turns various lights and devices on and off. Again, Burton’s aim here was to use these, rather than larger lights to illuminate the set whilst filming, thus creating a more gloomy effect for the film sequence. 

As a final gift, having your picture taken with the classroom set is a quaint addition which gives fans of the film a souvenir from the event. Although a decent and informative experience, with people standing by each set and cabinet giving facts about the film-making process, the exhibition doesn’t allow a more hands-on approach to what is available. Nevertheless, it is fair to say that it is well worth a visit for fans of stop motion, Burton and film artwork. 

Rahul Bahal

The Art Of Frankenweenie is at the Southbank Centre from 17^th – 21^st October 2012. For further information or to book visit the exhibition’s website here.

Watch the trailer for The Art Of Frankenweenie here: