Jan 2, 2013

Moon Rock (1970), a rare film by George Dunning.

Director George Dunning's career has always been summed up in two words: Yellow Submarine, and directing one of the most iconic animated feature films of the 20th century was both his glory and his curse. But that is not all Dunning accomplished. He had a remarkable career both before and after "Yellow Sub" and is one of the few artists who can claim to have worked for both the National Film Board of Canada and the UPA.

Dunning made Moon Rock in 1970, shortly after completing his Beatles feature film. The film challenges the viewer's perception of time and space, while at the same time making for an inexplicable and exhilarating viewing experience. Historian Giannalberto Bendazzi writes that in "Moon Rock," Dunning "deals with the monster of mass society and mass media, hiding behind science fiction themes and blank color games."

The film makes (a little) more sense when one understands that Dunning is drawing on the concept of lateral thinking as espoused by Edward de Bono. Dunning's message is open to interpretation, but no matter how you interpret its meaning, the film is worth the beautiful, strange journey it takes you on.