The Head Vanishes is a 2016 French-Canadian animated film directed by Franck Dion, starring Florence Desalme and Jeannie Walker. The movie tells the story of a woman named Jacqueline, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, and her granddaughter, Marie. The film explores themes of memory, identity, family, and the connection between generations.
The movie opens with Jacqueline, an elderly woman living in a care home, wandering around the corridors trying to find her way. She is aware that she is losing her memory and begins to get anxious about where she is and who she is. Meanwhile, outside the care home, her granddaughter Marie is waiting for her to visit her for the day. Marie's love and care for her grandmother are evident from the very beginning of the movie.
As Jacqueline tries to make her way back to her room, her head begins to vanish into thin air, leaving her with a single eye floating in a void. This strange occurrence is what initiates the surreal and whimsical journey of the movie. Jacqueline's detached head takes Marie and her on a magical and surreal adventure.
The animation style of The Head Vanishes is unique and captivating. There is a clear emphasis on imagination and creativity, with the visuals feeling both playful and nostalgic. The world the characters inhabit is reminiscent of an old-fashioned picture book, where the colors are muted, and the drawings are simple and charming.
As Marie and Jacqueline travel around together, it becomes apparent how much each generation has to offer the other. Marie is patient and kind, and she allows her grandmother to experience the world in a way that is new and exciting for both of them. Jacqueline, on the other hand, shares wisdom and memories that only someone of her generation can. The intergenerational relationships portrayed in this movie are heartwarming and essential for the story's themes.
As they journey, they meet various characters, including a wizard, a skeleton, and a dog. Each character they encounter offers them a piece of information that helps them navigate their journey. The journey is filled with whimsical and memorable scenes, such as a tea party hosted by a cat and an escape from a dark and creepy forest.
Throughout the movie, the audience sees Jacqueline's struggle with her disease. Her memory loss and confusion are portrayed in a way that is both heartbreaking and realistic. At some points in the movie, Jacqueline becomes agitated and tries to escape the situation she finds herself in. These moments feel tense and uncomfortable, but they serve to highlight the challenges that people with memory loss and their loved ones face.
The Head Vanishes is a touching portrayal of the bond between generations and the importance of memories. It is a powerful reminder that even as our memories fade, the relationships we have with our loved ones remain strong. The animation, story, and characters blend together seamlessly to create a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, The Head Vanishes is a beautiful and imaginative movie that explores the complexities of memory loss and the importance of family. It portrays intergenerational relationships in a way that is heartwarming and genuine. The animation style is unique and captivating, adding another element to this already charming film. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates beautiful art, captivating storytelling, and emotional depth.
The Head Vanishes is a 2017 animated movie with a runtime of 9 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.
