The distinction of being the first full-length animated feature film belongs to El Apóstol, a now-lost Argentinian film created by Quirino Cristiani and released in 1917. This groundbreaking achievement predates Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by two decades, cementing Cristiani’s place in animation history.
A Journey Through Animation’s Dawn
Animation has come a long way from its humble beginnings. From flipbooks and early cinematic experiments, the journey to feature-length animated films was a gradual but determined one. Understanding the context in which El Apóstol was created helps us appreciate its significance.
The Precursors to Feature-Length Animation
Before 1917, animation existed primarily in the form of short films and experimental pieces. Émile Cohl’s Fantasmagorie (1908) is often cited as one of the earliest examples of animated film, using hand-drawn figures and surreal imagery. Winsor McCay’s Gertie the Dinosaur (1914) demonstrated the potential of animation for character development and storytelling. These films, though short, laid the foundation for the ambitious leap towards feature-length animation.
Quirino Cristiani: A Visionary Animator
Quirino Cristiani, an Italian-Argentinian animator, was a true pioneer. He saw the potential of animation not just for entertainment but also for social commentary and satire. Cristiani’s vision, combined with his technical skills, led him to create El Apóstol, a satirical depiction of Argentine politics.
El Apóstol: A Lost Masterpiece
El Apóstol, running at approximately 70 minutes, was a significant undertaking for its time. Tragically, all known copies of the film were destroyed in a fire, leaving us with only limited documentation and anecdotal accounts.
Production and Techniques
El Apóstol was created using cutout animation, a technique where characters and objects are made from flat materials, cut out, and then moved frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. Cristiani used over 58,000 drawings and numerous cardboard cutouts to bring his vision to life. The film was notable for its detailed backgrounds and ambitious scenes, showcasing Cristiani’s mastery of the technique.
The Story and its Satire
The film satirized the then-Argentinian President, Hipólito Yrigoyen. The plot revolves around Yrigoyen dreaming of cleansing Buenos Aires of corruption and using lightning bolts to achieve his goal. The film’s political satire, though controversial, contributed to its popularity upon release. The loss of El Apóstol is a significant blow to animation history, as it prevents us from fully understanding the social and political context of its time and the nuances of Cristiani’s satire.
The Fire and the Loss of History
The destruction of El Apóstol in a fire is a devastating loss for animation historians and enthusiasts. The fire, which also destroyed other early works by Cristiani, highlights the fragility of early film history and the importance of preservation efforts. While we can only rely on accounts and surviving materials, El Apóstol remains a testament to Cristiani’s ingenuity and the groundbreaking nature of his work.
The Legacy of El Apóstol and Quirino Cristiani
Despite its disappearance, El Apóstol continues to inspire animators and historians alike. Cristiani’s pioneering spirit paved the way for future generations of animators to explore the possibilities of feature-length animation. His work serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation and the enduring power of animation as a storytelling medium.
Influencing Future Animators
While El Apóstol had limited direct influence due to its loss, the very idea of creating a full-length animated film was a radical concept that undoubtedly influenced the development of animation as an art form. Walt Disney, for example, was likely aware of Cristiani’s achievement, which may have emboldened him to pursue his own ambitious animated features.
Cristiani’s Other Contributions
Quirino Cristiani continued to work in animation, creating another feature-length film, Peludópolis (1931), which was also a political satire and one of the earliest animated films with sound. Although Peludópolis also suffered from poor preservation, fragments of it survive, offering a glimpse into Cristiani’s later work. He remained a significant figure in Argentinian animation throughout his career, contributing to the growth and development of the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that further clarify the context and significance of El Apóstol:
FAQ 1: Was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs really the first full-length animated film?
No, while Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) is undoubtedly a landmark achievement in animation history, it was not the first full-length animated feature film. That distinction belongs to Quirino Cristiani’s El Apóstol (1917).
FAQ 2: Why is El Apóstol not better known?
The primary reason for El Apóstol‘s relative obscurity is that all known copies of the film were destroyed in a fire. This loss of the physical film has made it difficult to study and appreciate its significance.
FAQ 3: What is cutout animation, and why was it used for El Apóstol?
Cutout animation involves creating characters and objects from flat materials (often paper or cardboard), cutting them out, and moving them frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. It was used in El Apóstol likely because it was a relatively cost-effective and efficient method compared to traditional hand-drawn animation at the time.
FAQ 4: How long did it take to make El Apóstol?
The production of El Apóstol was a significant undertaking, reportedly taking around a year to complete, which was a considerable timeframe for animation production in 1917.
FAQ 5: What was the political climate in Argentina at the time of El Apóstol‘s release?
Argentina in 1917 was experiencing a period of political reform under President Hipólito Yrigoyen. While Yrigoyen was popular with some, he also faced criticism for his policies, which provided ripe material for Cristiani’s satirical portrayal in El Apóstol.
FAQ 6: Are there any surviving fragments or stills from El Apóstol?
Unfortunately, no known footage or stills from El Apóstol have survived. Our understanding of the film is based on contemporary accounts and descriptions.
FAQ 7: What other techniques were used in early animation besides cutout animation?
Besides cutout animation, other early animation techniques included hand-drawn animation (like in Fantasmagorie) and rotoscoping, where animators trace over live-action footage.
FAQ 8: How did El Apóstol compare to other animated films of its time?
El Apóstol was unique in its ambition and scale. While other animated films existed at the time, they were typically short films. El Apóstol‘s feature-length format set it apart as a pioneering achievement.
FAQ 9: What is the importance of preserving early film history?
Preserving early film history is crucial for understanding the evolution of cinema and the creative innovations of early filmmakers. The loss of films like El Apóstol highlights the vulnerability of early cinematic works and the need for dedicated preservation efforts.
FAQ 10: Did Quirino Cristiani face any censorship or political repercussions for El Apóstol‘s satire?
While there is no definitive evidence of direct censorship, the satirical nature of El Apóstol likely made it a controversial film at the time. It’s possible that Cristiani faced some form of indirect pressure or scrutiny.
FAQ 11: What can be done to recover lost films like El Apóstol?
The recovery of lost films is a challenging but not impossible task. Efforts can include searching archives, private collections, and international film repositories. Digital restoration techniques can also be used to enhance and preserve any surviving fragments that might be discovered.
FAQ 12: Where can I learn more about Quirino Cristiani and early animation history?
Resources for learning more about Quirino Cristiani and early animation history include film archives, academic journals, books on animation history, and online databases dedicated to early cinema. Searching for information on animation history in Argentina can also provide valuable insights.