DbcultAccessing Vault...
6.2/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Tale of the Vienna Woods remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school, hand-drawn animation that feels like a fever dream from the 1930s, you’ll probably dig this. If you need a fast-paced story or modern CGI polish, skip it. You will likely find it too slow or just plain odd.
There is this one moment where the satyr just sits there, frozen in the daylight, and the way the background moves behind him makes me think of Studio Pests. It has that same handmade, slightly jittery energy that you just don't see anymore. It’s not smooth, but that’s the point, I guess.
The animation style is… something. It feels like a painting that decided to start walking around. The faun moves with this weird, bouncy rhythm that made me check my watch once, but then I got sucked back in. It’s oddly calming.
I can’t help but compare the vibe here to Fig Leaves. Both films have a sort of innocent, stage-play quality that feels very far removed from today’s blockbusters. It’s less of a 'movie' and more of a short musical interlude.
Watching this reminded me that early animators were basically just trying to see what they could get away with. It’s not a masterpiece, and it doesn't try to be. Sometimes it feels like the characters are just waiting for the next scene to start. Honestly, I kind of love that.
The whole 'daylight vs. night' gimmick is pretty thin. They don't do much with it, really. It’s just an excuse for some nice visuals and a bit of dancing. If you’re looking for a deep plot, look elsewhere.
It’s short. It’s weird. It’s fine. 🌳✨