Norman McLaren, a pioneer in animation

Norman McLaren, best known for his work as director in the world of animation, was a true pioneer and innovator in this realm. His career, spanning several decades, was marked by groundbreaking techniques and a unique artistic vision that left an indelible mark on the field.

Born on April 11, 1914, in Stirling, Scotland, Norman McLaren’s early life was a blend of art and experimentation. He studied set design at Scotland’s renowned Glasgow School of Art, where he was deeply influenced by the films of Russian directors Sergei Eisenstein and Vsevolod Pudovkin. These influences sparked McLaren’s interest in film as a powerful means of expression, beyond mere entertainment. His early experiments with film were done without a camera. He painted and scratched directly onto film stock to create his first abstract animations. This innovative approach laid the foundation for his distinctive style, blending visual art and motion in ways previously unseen.

In 1936, McLaren’s unique talents caught the eye of John Grierson, the head of the UK General Post Office (GPO) film unit. Grierson offered McLaren a position, recognizing his potential to bring fresh ideas to the world of documentary filmmaking. During his three years at the GPO, McLaren honed his skills and developed new techniques that would become hallmarks of his later work. In 1939, McLaren moved to North America with the support of a Solomon Guggenheim Foundation grant. He spent two years in New York, producing several drawn-on-film animations before moving to Canada at the invitation of John Grierson, who was then establishing the National Film Board of Canada (NFB).

At the NFB, McLaren was tasked with setting up an animation studio and training Canadian animators. His innovative techniques and artistic vision quickly established the NFB as a hub of creative animation. McLaren’s work at the NFB included a range of projects, from animated shorts promoting wartime propaganda to public service announcements. One of McLaren’s most celebrated works is the 1952 film Neighbours. This anti-war parable, which utilized the pixilation technique, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). The film’s innovative use of live actors as stop-motion subjects created a powerful and visually striking narrative about the futility of conflict.

McLaren also created the film’s unique soundtrack by scratching directly onto the film’s audio track, producing a distinctive auditory experience that complemented the visual innovation. Neighbours was praised worldwide, even catching the attention of painter Pablo Picasso, who declared it “the greatest film ever made.” The film’s success underscored McLaren’s ability to blend technical innovation with compelling storytelling.

In addition to his work with the NFB, McLaren was actively involved with UNESCO during the 1950s and 1960s. He traveled to China and India to lead animation workshops, sharing his techniques and inspiring a new generation of animators. His efforts in these countries were part of his broader commitment to education and artistic exchange.
Norman McLaren’s contributions to animation have been widely recognized.

His complete works were added to UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World’ program in 2009, a testament to his impact on global culture. The National Film Board of Canada also renamed its Montreal headquarters in his honor, cementing his legacy in the country’s artistic heritage. Film historian Tom McSorley aptly noted McLaren’s influence, stating, “In the gifted hands of animator Norman McLaren, [the NFB] launched Canada’s equally fabled animation and avant-garde and experimental film practices.” McLaren’s innovative spirit and dedication to pushing the boundaries of animation continue to inspire filmmakers and artists today.

Norman McLaren’s life and career were marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and artistic expression. His pioneering techniques and visionary approach transformed the world of animation, making him a central figure in the history of film. As we celebrate his legacy, we remember McLaren not just as an animator, but as a true artist who expanded the possibilities of visual storytelling.