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7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Building a Building remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have seven minutes to kill and want to see 1930s animation at its most hyperactive, yes. It is pure nostalgia fuel for people who like vintage Disney. If you hate old-school slapstick or feel annoyed by squeaky voices, you should probably skip it. This isn't exactly The Greenwood Tree in terms of scenery, but it has plenty of energy.
The whole thing feels like a chaotic dance. Mickey is operating a steam shovel like it is a musical instrument. It is kind of impressive how the machinery moves in rhythm with the music. Everything in this world is bouncy, including the steel beams.
Pegleg Pete is basically the ultimate jerk here. Watching him try to flirt with Minnie is honestly pretty uncomfortable, even by cartoon standards. He just looms over her like a giant pile of bricks. Not a fan of that guy.
I caught myself staring at the background art. They put way more detail into those rivets and pulleys than they actually needed to. It’s funny how a cartoon about a construction site feels more alive than some modern blockbusters. 🏗️
There is this moment where Mickey gets hit with a brick and just kind of shakes it off. No concussion protocols in the 30s, apparently. Just a little dizzy, then back to fighting the foreman.
It reminds me a bit of the frantic energy you see in Torrid Toreadors, just with less capes and more hard hats. The pacing is relentless. They don't give you a second to breathe between the steam shovel gags and the shoving matches.
Some of the movements are so fast it’s hard to keep track of who is hitting who. Honestly, the movie gets better once Mickey stops working and just starts throwing stuff at Pete. Total chaos.
It’s not a deep film. You aren't going to learn anything about the human condition. But it is a solid reminder that sometimes, watching a mouse fight a cat over a lunch box is all you need for an afternoon.