The storyline follows a mad man who lives with his roommate, a half blind man. As time goes by, one of the man's eyes makes him go crazy from sneaking into his room to killing him.
Based on the classic story by Edgar Allen Poe, this short animated film by a high school student rings true to the original. I like the narrator; he is easy to understand and he gets a bit creepier throughout the film. The animation is unique with carefully sculpted clay characters and stop motion animation. I like the odd looking clay people and quirky furniture. The sets have many little details. The main set is an early 1900s house in Ireland with patterned rugs and fancy wooden chairs; the walls have an very lived-in look that makes it seem real. The costumes fit the time with classic British police uniforms and overcoats. The background music works well, making the already scary scenes more terrifying. The protagonist goes from being bothered initially to the break of insanity by his neighbor's eye -- so much that he has to end his neighbor's life. After that, he is still affected by it and it drives him insane. My favorite part is when the red dot of blood appears on the floor and the protagonist immediately tries to cover it.
The film's message is to not let things go to your head. Be aware that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence, blood and killing.
I give Tell Tale Heart! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This is a perfect film for Halloween! By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!
The storyline follows a mad man who lives with his roommate, a half blind man. As time goes by, one of the man's eyes makes him go crazy from sneaking into his room to killing him.
Based on the classic story by Edgar Allen Poe, this short animated film by a high school student rings true to the original. I like the narrator; he is easy to understand and he gets a bit creepier throughout the film. The animation is unique with carefully sculpted clay characters and stop motion animation. I like the odd looking clay people and quirky furniture. The sets have many little details. The main set is an early 1900s house in Ireland with patterned rugs and fancy wooden chairs; the walls have an very lived-in look that makes it seem real. The costumes fit the time with classic British police uniforms and overcoats. The background music works well, making the already scary scenes more terrifying. The protagonist goes from being bothered initially to the break of insanity by his neighbor's eye -- so much that he has to end his neighbor's life. After that, he is still affected by it and it drives him insane. My favorite part is when the red dot of blood appears on the floor and the protagonist immediately tries to cover it.
The film's message is to not let things go to your head. Be aware that it contains bloody, gory acts of violence, blood and killing.
I give Tell Tale Heart! 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This is a perfect film for Halloween! By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!
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