Film
What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases
Bookmark this pageThe Adventures of Mark Twain (1985)
Director: Will Vinton
Movie review
From Time Out Film Guide
Kids will probably adore the colourful clay figures and spectacular action sequences of this technically remarkable animated feature, but its relentless imagination will be best appreciated by adults. Born in 1835 (year of a visit by Halley's Comet), Twain prepares for death and reunion with his late wife by steering a bizarre balloon to meet the comet on its next appearance. En route, stowaways Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer and Betty Thatcher listen to the writer's fantastic fables as Vinton's sophisticated claymation puts characters and loations through strange metamorphoses to sometimes alarming, always amusing effect. Behind the laughs and lovely visuals, however, lies an astute acknowledgement of the author's embittered duality: the kindly Southern patriach is shadowed by a darker double, and for once the Twain shall meet - at the moment of death. In paying tribute to a man of originality, compassion and intelligence, Vinton has adopted those very qualities himself.Author: GA
Cast & crew
Director: Will Vinton
Producer: Will Vinton
Cast: James Whitmore, Michele Mariana, Gary King, Chris Ritchie full cast
Duration: 90 mins
Top Stories
Ridley Scott interview
Director Ridley Scott tells Cath Clarke why he's making a science fiction comeback
Cannes Film Festival 2012: half-time report
Dave Calhoun reports on the hits, misses and a shocking new masterpiece from Michael Haneke
What do you think?
Post your review now