Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb

'The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb' is an innovative stop frame animation film directed by Dave Borthwick and produced by the 'Bolex Brothers' (released in 1995). This is a beautiful tale of a tiny (clay) toddler (Tom) kidnapped from his loving human parents. Tom finds himself in a genetic lab with a host of caged mutant creatures and escapes to journey back to his father. The setting is a gloomy and squalid urban environment with neanderthal like human actors who communicate with grunts and moans.

The fusion of stop motion animation and pixilation (live actors posed and shot frame-by-frame) is unlike anything I have ever seen. This task would have demanded a massive level of patience from all parties involved (not to mention severe cramps for the actors). The over all effect is delightfully surreal and creepy and comparable to the work of Jan Svankmajer & the Brothers Quay. I recommend this film to everyone (even people who are easily disturbed will be impressed by the animation and atmosphere of The Secret Adventures of Tom Thumb).