The Fading Lightbox
Terry Gilliam and Monty Python
Gilliam was born in Minneapolis and studied political science before finding his way into being a writer and cartoonist. When work dried up in the USA he came to London, worked, or tried to work, at various animation studios (Bob Godfrey’s Movie Emporium turned him away for being ‘too good’!), then through John Cleese got some sketches on the children’s comedy ‘Do Not Adjust your Set’ (1967). Here he met other comedians who would go on to form the team behind ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’. Gilliam then got commissioned to create some crazy animation for comedy show ‘We Have Ways of Making You Laugh’ (1968) and then for the Python shows which began decided the only option was cut outs and these surreal and anarchic creations combined with his airbrushed illustrations would become an influential kind of animation style associated with his name.
After many years of Python programmes and films he would go on to become a leading film director, extending his distinct highly imaginative and visually exuberant style into live action features.
Christmas Card (1968)
Monty Python animation
Baron Munchausen trailer
Ralph Baksi, Heavy Metal and Adult Animation
Ralph Baksi had started as a TV and short animator and director in the fifties and sixties. Probably...
