Oscar-Nominated ‘The Girl Who Cried Pearls’ Highlights Local Talent & Stop-Motion’s Enduring Appeal
Kitchener, Ontario, and Montreal are celebrating a shared connection to “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” a 17-minute stop-motion animated short film nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Animated Short Film category. The film, produced by the National Film Board of Canada, showcases the artistry of stop-motion animation and the talents of award-winning actor Colm Feore.
Colm Feore: A One-Man Voice Ensemble
Colm Feore, known for roles in productions like Chicago, Thor, and Bon Cop, Bad Cop, lends his voice to nearly all the characters in “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.” He recorded his lines at Fred Smith Studios in Kitchener, Ontario. Feore described the experience as performing the mannerisms of each character while watching the film, aiming to create “a living, breathing creature” through his vocal performance.
Fred Smith, owner of the studio, noted Feore’s exceptional preparation and ability to quickly grasp the nuances of each role, often delivering performances that exceeded expectations on the first take. Smith learned of the nomination via a text message from Feore.
The Art of Stop-Motion and a Timeless Story
Directed by Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” tells the story of a poor boy in early 20th-century Montreal who falls in love with a girl whose tears transform into pearls. The filmmakers specifically sought out Feore for his versatility, recognizing his ability to handle diverse material, having previously played roles like Richard III and Laufey in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The film’s creation involved handmade sets and figures, a testament to the meticulous process of stop-motion animation. This nomination marks the second for Lavis and Szczerbowski, their first being for the 2007 NFB short, “Madame Tutli-Putli.”
The Resurgence of Stop-Motion Animation
While computer-generated imagery (CGI) dominates much of modern animation, stop-motion continues to hold a unique appeal. Its tactile nature and handcrafted aesthetic offer a distinct visual experience. The success of films like “Coraline” (2009) and “Kubo and the Two Strings” (2016) demonstrate a continued audience interest in this art form.
The painstaking process – moving puppets incrementally between each frame – lends a unique quality to stop-motion that many find captivating. It’s a labor of love, often requiring months or even years to complete, as was the case with “The Girl Who Cried Pearls,” a five-year project.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Animation
The nomination of “The Girl Who Cried Pearls” underscores the enduring relevance of both stop-motion animation and the National Film Board of Canada’s commitment to supporting innovative filmmaking. The film’s success could inspire a fresh generation of animators to explore the possibilities of this traditional technique.
The Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is stop-motion animation? Stop-motion animation is a filmmaking technique where objects are physically manipulated in compact increments between individually photographed frames so that they appear to move on the screen.
- Who directed “The Girl Who Cried Pearls”? Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski directed the film.
- Where was Colm Feore’s voice recording done? Colm Feore recorded his voice lines at Fred Smith Studios in Kitchener, Ontario.
- What is the film about? The film tells the story of a poor boy in early 20th-century Montreal who falls in love with a girl whose tears turn into pearls.
What are your thoughts on the film? Share your comments below!
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