Ihab Mardini

Abstract

In ancient times, humans used drawing on walls as a way to express their emotions and thoughts. Then, cameras were invented to pursue that purpose through photos and videos in sharper images. And now we do animation, not just because it is pretty, but also because it is the tool that allows us to freely speak our minds, without being bothered by what we can and what we cannot do in film!

There is a Lebanese thinker, poet, artist and writer named Jubran Khaleel Jubran, who has always inspired me with his artworks and specifically his poems. Mysteriously, there was something about his writings that I did not like so much. His thoughts were astonishing, but what made his thoughts less amazing to me was the fabulous poetic writing he descried his thoughts with. My feeling about his style eventually taught me that when we have strong ideas, simplicity in expressing them becomes the best vessel that delivers the thoughts, which leads to success. However, failure is certain when the ideas are too simple. Filmmakers should think big, plan bigger and act simple. I might have passed the simplicity line in my thesis, but I kept that idea of simplicity in my mind and I am sure it helped me making my film go as simple as possible, rather than ending up with a film that is impossible to accomplish.

Plastic can mean either the material of toys or other objects, or the meaning of the word "fake".

The main story of Plastic Glory is about "plastic" soldiers who die for a "glory" that is "fake". It is fake because it promises that soldiers die only when necessary, for the glory of their country. But what happens is that soldiers always die, unfortunately only for the glory of those who control them and, in the most cases, care more about getting promoted than choosing to keep their troops alive. The film is about plastic toy soldiers in battle, firing at each other, bombing each other in a way that mimics real battles and wars, only without blood, smoke or fire. Such an approach makes more room for the imagination of the audience where they can fill in what they do not see with what they know and perceive. It also makes the film appropriate for kids to watch, while safely passing the idea to them that war is merely a mean killing machine. And the most unfortunate victims of the violence that is delivered through the toy soldiers are the kids.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Computer animation--Themes, motives; Computer animation--Technique; Animated films--Themes, motives; Animation (Cinematography); Military miniatures--Drama; Soldiers in art

Publication Date

8-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Department, Program, or Center

School of Film and Animation (CIAS)

Advisor

Stephanie Maxwell

Advisor/Committee Member

Brian Larson

Advisor/Committee Member

Mark Reisch

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at TR897.7 .M374 2014

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IMGART-MFA

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