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5.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
In the annals of animation, few figures loom as large or cast as long a shadow as Otto Messmer. His indelible contributions to the nascent art form are often discussed, but sometimes the sheer ingenuity and thematic depth of individual works can be overlooked. One such gem, Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo, stands as a testament to Messmer’s unparalleled ability to blend whimsical fantasy with surprisingly profound moral quandaries. This isn't merely a cartoon; it's a vibrant, kinetic exploration of power, responsibility, and the unpredictable journey from self-serving caprice to genuine heroism, all wrapped in an irresistibly charming package.
From its very inception, the film plunges us into the world of Felix, a character whose initial discovery of his hypnotic abilities is portrayed with a delightful blend of wide-eyed wonder and nascent mischief. Messmer, as the undeniable creative force behind this vision, crafts a protagonist who is immediately relatable despite his extraordinary gift. Felix doesn't stumble upon his power through some grand, mystical ritual; it’s an organic, almost accidental revelation, lending an air of accessible fantasy to the unfolding narrative. His initial experiments with hypnosis are not malevolent but rather the playful antics of a character testing the boundaries of his newfound influence. Doors swing open at his command, objects levitate, and unsuspecting bystanders find themselves in humorous, albeit harmless, predicaments. This phase of the film masterfully establishes Felix as a trickster, a charming rogue whose actions, while disruptive, are primarily driven by a desire for amusement and a testing of limits, rather than any malicious intent. The animation, even in its early form, conveys a remarkable fluidity and expressiveness, allowing Felix's personality to shine through every exaggerated gesture and knowing glance.
The initial segment of Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo serves as a captivating study in the psychology of nascent power. Felix, much like a child with a potent new toy, explores the ramifications of his hypnotic gaze with an almost innocent glee. He manipulates his environment, not to cause lasting harm, but to orchestrate a personal spectacle, to inject a dose of the absurd into the mundane. This playful misuse of power, however, subtly hints at a deeper thematic undercurrent. It prompts us to consider the fine line between harmless prank and genuine imposition, between self-amusement and societal disruption. While Felix's actions are presented with a comedic slant, there's an implicit question about responsibility that hovers just beneath the surface. This exploration of individual power and its societal impact can be seen, albeit in a vastly different, more dramatic context, in films like Whom the Gods Would Destroy, where personal ambition and influence dramatically reshape lives and communities, or even the more intimate, destructive forces unleashed by human desires in Drama na okhote. Messmer, through Felix, approaches this weighty concept with a lighter touch, but the core idea of an individual's capacity to alter reality remains potent.
The narrative's brilliance lies in its ability to pivot from this lighthearted exploration of mischief to a genuine crisis, thereby forcing Felix—and the audience—to re-evaluate the true nature of power. The introduction of the 'dangerous escaped hippopotamus' is a masterstroke. This isn't just a bigger, more destructive version of Felix's own antics; it's an embodiment of uncontrollable, primal force. Where Felix's hypnosis offers a form of control, albeit mischievous, the rampaging hippo represents pure, unadulterated chaos. Its presence shatters the whimsical equilibrium Felix had established, transforming a world of manageable disruptions into one of imminent peril. This external threat serves as a perfect foil to Felix's internal journey. It elevates the stakes beyond mere annoyance, demanding a response that transcends petty pranks. The contrast is stark: Felix's power bends reality; the wild hippo's power threatens to break it entirely.
The true heart of Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo resides in Felix's forced maturation. The very community he once vexed with his hypnotic shenanigans now looks to him as their unlikely savior. This shift in perception is not merely a plot device; it's a profound commentary on the nature of heroism and the unexpected ways in which individuals rise to meet challenges. Felix, initially content to use his power for self-gratification, is now confronted with the tangible consequences of inaction. The rampaging hippo, a creature of formidable physical might, cannot be reasoned with or simply wished away. It requires a direct, decisive intervention, and Felix's unique ability, once a source of playful trouble, becomes the only viable solution. This narrative arc, where a character must shed their selfish tendencies to embrace a greater purpose, resonates deeply. It echoes the transformative journeys seen in more dramatic fare, such as the moral awakening in The Man Unconquerable or the societal pressures leading to redemption in The Deemster. Messmer, however, imbues Felix's transition with a delightful charm, ensuring that his growth feels earned and authentic, rather than forced.
The climax, where Felix confronts the escaped hippo, is a masterclass in animated storytelling. It’s a battle not of brute strength, but of wit and mental fortitude. Felix doesn't overpower the beast physically; he outmaneuvers it psychologically, using his hypnotic gaze to disarm and subdue. This resolution reinforces the idea that true power isn't just about causing trouble, but about wielding influence for the greater good. It’s a moment of triumph that redefines Felix not just in the eyes of his community, but within himself. The relief and gratitude shown by the populace towards their former tormentor underscore the universal human tendency to forgive past transgressions when faced with a common threat and a display of genuine courage. This transformation from a mischievous figure to a respected protector is central to the film's enduring appeal, offering a timeless message about accountability and altruism.
Otto Messmer's creative genius in Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo extends beyond its narrative ingenuity. The animation itself, characteristic of Messmer's pioneering style, is fluid, expressive, and imbued with a vibrant energy that belies its early origins. The character designs, particularly of Felix himself, are iconic, instantly recognizable, and convey a wealth of personality through simple yet effective lines. The use of visual gags, the timing of the hypnotic effects, and the dynamic rendering of the rampaging hippo all speak to a profound understanding of the medium's potential. Messmer wasn't just drawing characters; he was breathing life into them, creating a world where the impossible felt effortlessly plausible. This foundational work in animation, establishing conventions and pushing boundaries, can be loosely paralleled with the innovative spirit seen in other early cinematic endeavors like Flickering Youth, which explored new narrative structures, or even the raw, visceral impact of films like Greed, which pushed the boundaries of realism in their respective eras.
The film's exploration of control versus chaos, and the individual's role within a community, provides a rich tapestry for critical analysis. It subtly critiques the allure of power for its own sake, advocating instead for its responsible application. This moral compass, embedded within a seemingly simple cartoon, elevates Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo beyond mere entertainment. It becomes a fable for all ages, a gentle reminder that true strength often lies in using one's unique gifts not for personal gain, but for the collective good. The charm of Felix, the inherent humor in his escapades, and the thrilling tension of the final confrontation all contribute to a work that remains eminently watchable and deeply resonant.
While Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo exists within the unique realm of animated shorts, its thematic underpinnings connect it to a broader cinematic landscape of its time. The idea of an individual with extraordinary power confronting a larger, uncontrolled force is a recurring motif across genres. One might draw parallels, however distant, to the individual’s struggle against overwhelming natural elements in The Storm, or the personal battles against societal corruption found in films like As a Man Sows. Even the concept of an escaped animal wreaking havoc, albeit with a more dramatic and less whimsical tone, finds echoes in the thrilling tension of In the Python's Den. What Messmer achieves, however, is to distill these grand themes into an accessible, family-friendly narrative, proving that profound ideas do not require solemnity to be impactful.
Moreover, the film’s playful subversion of authority through Felix's initial hypnotic antics can be seen as a precursor to countless comedic works that challenge established norms. The sheer delight in watching Felix manipulate his surroundings, even if momentarily, taps into a universal fantasy of control. This lighthearted rebellion stands in contrast to the more serious consequences of defying the law or social expectations depicted in films like His Convict Bride or Der Leibeigene, yet both explore the individual's relationship with external constraints. Messmer's genius lies in presenting this through the lens of innocent, albeit disruptive, fun, ensuring the audience remains charmed even as Felix initially oversteps bounds. The underlying message about finding a constructive outlet for one's unique talents is timeless, making Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo a surprisingly sophisticated piece of early animation.
The character of Felix, as envisioned by Otto Messmer, became a cultural touchstone, and films like Felix 'Hyps' the Hippo are prime examples of why. They showcase not just the technical prowess of the animators but the storytelling acumen that allowed these characters to transcend mere drawings on a cel. The journey from playful troublemaker to reluctant hero, catalyzed by an external threat and validated by community need, is a narrative archetype that continues to resonate. It’s a story of self-discovery, of facing one’s responsibilities, and of the unexpected places from which true heroism can emerge. Messmer didn't just animate a hippo with hypnotic powers; he crafted a narrative that explores the very essence of character development and the moral obligations that accompany extraordinary gifts. This film remains a vibrant, engaging, and remarkably insightful piece of cinematic history.
IMDb —
1915
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