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Director's Spotlight
Senior Film Conservator
Director's Spotlight: United States
A Deep Dive into the 1931 Vision of Ub Iwerks
Under the meticulous guidance of Ub Iwerks, Laughing Gas became the cultural zeitgeist captured so perfectly by Ub Iwerks in 1931. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to Short excellence, it remains a vital reference point for anyone studying the evolution of Ub Iwerks.
In Laughing Gas, Ub Iwerks pushes the boundaries of conventional narrative. The film's unique approach to its subject matter has sparked endless debates and interpretations among cinephiles and critics alike.
The visual language of Laughing Gas is defined by its use of shadows and framing, a hallmark of Ub Iwerks's style. By utilizing a 1931-era palette, the film creates an immersive experience that perfectly complements its Short themes.
| Cinematography | Noir-Inspired |
| Soundtrack | Experimental |
| Editing | Elliptical |
| Art Direction | Expressionist |
Visualizing the convergence of Ub Iwerks's style and the core Short narrative.
Flip is a dentist. A walrus in the waiting room is apprehensive when he hears the screams of earlier patients, but he is wrestled into the chair. Flip tries to pull the bad tooth, but keeps getting laundry, small cars, etc. He drills, but the bit breaks. Finally, he uses gas (a skunk) to put the walrus out. The walrus comes to just in time to find that Flip has put a lit stick of dynamite in his mouth; walrus removes his dentures and the dynamite, and puts them under Flip. The whole office blows sky high.
Decades after its release, Laughing Gas remains a vital piece of the cinematic puzzle. Its influence can be seen in countless modern works, solidifying Ub Iwerks's status as a master of the craft in United States and beyond.