Film Lens
Thaumatropes is the 16th short film in the Magica series, focusing on pre-cinema inventions. The film features Mr. Seymour, a character based on a book by London doctor Mr. Paris, who introduces the thaumatrope to a young girl. He explains the mechanics of the device, which combines two images into one through rapid movement.
The film addresses the imperfections in the superimposition of images and presents Mr. Seymour's solution of using elastic instead of string for better results. It also demonstrates how recording the two images on a title bench allows for a clearer viewing experience. Various examples of thaumatropes are shown throughout the film, providing a visual understanding of this early animation technique.
Why Watch
- •See Mr. Seymour's inventive solution for thaumatropes.
- •Find out how elastic improves image superimposition.
- •Watch examples of early animation techniques.
Did You Know
•Thaumatropes is the 16th film in the Magica series.
•The film has a runtime of 7 minutes.
•Mr. Seymour is a character from a book by London doctor Mr. Paris.
Perfect For
Animation enthusiastsHistory of cinemaInventors and creators