In the world of inventions and innovation, one name that stands out is Rube Goldberg. A name that has become synonymous with elaborate and convoluted machines that perform simple tasks, Goldberg's legacy lives on in the popular imagination even more than 70 years after his passing. In the documentary film "Rube Goldberg: Inventive, Cartoon, Genius: SDCC 2016," the life and legacy of this pioneering inventor and cartoonist are explored in depth.
The film is directed by Jennifer George, Goldberg's granddaughter, and features interviews with some of the foremost experts on Goldberg's work, as well as a number of his fans and protégés. Among the luminaries featured in the film are Sergio Aragones, Bob Mankoff, and Adam Savage.
The film begins with an exploration of Goldberg's life and career, from his early days as a cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle to his later work as an inventor and engineer. It explores Goldberg's unique combination of artistic talent, mechanical ingenuity, and humor, and how these traits came together in his famous cartoons and inventions.
One of the most interesting aspects of Goldberg's work is his ability to take complex and abstract ideas and turn them into tangible, physical machines. In the film, we see a number of examples of Goldberg's inventions, from his famous Self-Operating Napkin to his more obscure creations like the Exercise Wheel for Elephants.
The film also explores the influence that Goldberg had on other artists and inventors, both during his lifetime and after his death. Many of the people interviewed in the film talk about how Goldberg inspired them to think outside the box and to embrace the absurd and unexpected in their work.
One of the highlights of the film is an extended interview with Aragones, the Mad Magazine cartoonist who has been a longtime admirer of Goldberg's work. Aragones talks about how Goldberg's cartoons and machines inspired him as a young artist, and how he has incorporated Goldberg's ideas into his own work.
Throughout the film, there is a sense of wonder and excitement about Goldberg's inventions and cartoons. The film captures the same sense of whimsy and inventiveness that made Goldberg's work so beloved by generations of readers and fans.
Ultimately, "Rube Goldberg: Inventive, Cartoon, Genius: SDCC 2016" is a fitting tribute to one of the most unique and imaginative visionaries of the 20th century. It celebrates Goldberg's legacy and explores the many ways that his work continues to inspire and captivate people today. Whether you are a fan of Goldberg's work or simply curious about the man behind the machines, this film is an engaging and entertaining exploration of one of the most creative minds of the past century.
