Pointer R., Beck J. The Art and Inventions of Max Fleischer: American Animation Pioneer

McFarland & Company, 2017. — 320 p. — e-ISBN: 978-1-4766-2741-0The history of animated cartoons has for decades been dominated by the accomplishments of Walt Disney, giving the impression that he invented the medium. In reality, it was the work of several pioneers. Max Fleischer--inventor of the Rotoscope technique of tracing animation frame by frame over live-action footage--was one of the most prominent.
By the 1930s, Fleischer and Disney were the leading producers of animated films but took opposite approaches. Where Disney reflected a Midwestern sentimentality, Fleischer presented a sophisticated urban attitude with elements of German Expressionism and organic progression. In contrast to Disney’s naturalistic animation, Fleischer’s violated physical laws, supporting his maxim: «If it can be done in real life, it isn’t animation.» As a result, Fleischer’s cartoons were rough rather than refined, commercial rather than consciously artistic--yet attained a distinctive artistry through Fleischer’s innovations. This book covers his life and work and the history of the studio that bore his name, with previously unpublished artwork and photographs.Foreword by Jerry Beck
The Formative Years
The Birth of a Career
The Inkwell Studio
Fleischer Studios, Inc.
The Queen of the Animated Screen
Betty Boop on the Couch
The Fleischer Factory
The Popeye Plant
Color Insert
The Spinach Lid Blows Off
Picking Up the Pieces
Setting Sail for Miami
Stormy Seas Ahead
The Ship Wreck
The Change of Command
Separate Courses, New Directions
Recommissioned
Raising the Inkwell
Filmography
List of Animators
Chapter NotesList of Names and Terms