Shadows and Boots: Watching Lotte Reiniger's Der Graf von Carabas

Is it worth your time?

If you have any interest in animation that doesn't involve computers, yes. It is short, sweet, and feels like a storybook coming to life. If you need explosions or fast-paced banter, you will probably be bored within thirty seconds.

Lotte Reiniger had this way of making flat paper look like it had actual weight. Der Graf von Carabas isn't a complex film, but it doesn't need to be. It’s just the classic Puss in Boots story, stripped down to its barest, most beautiful bones.

The craft of it all

I found myself just staring at the edges of the silhouettes. You can see the tiny hinges and the precise way the paper bends. It’s imperfect in a way that feels human, unlike the sterile, smooth edges we see in modern stuff.

There is a specific shot where the cat moves across the frame that just hooked me. It’s not smooth, but it’s rhythmic. It reminded me of the way things moved in The Plumber, where the simplicity actually makes you pay closer attention to the movement itself.

A quiet experience

There is no fluff here. No filler. The movie knows exactly what it is and doesn't try to stretch the material to fit a feature runtime. It’s like watching a dance performed by shadows.

• The cat’s boots are ridiculously detailed for something made of paper.
• The background transitions feel like magic tricks.
• I forgot for a moment that I wasn't watching a real stage play.

It’s rare to find something this delicate. Most things today are so loud, screaming for your attention. This just sits there, existing, waiting for you to notice the tiny details. A lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon, honestly. 🐈‍⬛✂️