Gertie the Dinosaur

Definition

Gertie the Dinosaur is a pioneering animated character created by Winsor McCay, first appearing in 1914. As one of the earliest examples of character animation, Gertie became famous for her personality and interaction with McCay during live performances, showcasing the potential of animation as a form of entertainment. This innovation not only marked a significant step in the use of animation in storytelling but also highlighted the importance of creating relatable characters in animated films.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gertie was originally featured in a vaudeville act where Winsor McCay interacted with her on stage, showcasing live animation that captivated audiences.
2. The film runs about 12 minutes long and uses hand-drawn animation techniques, requiring over 10,000 individual drawings.
3. Gertie's personality and her antics laid the groundwork for character-driven storytelling in animation, influencing future animated films and characters.
4. Winsor McCay's work on Gertie helped to legitimize animation as an art form, paving the way for future animators and filmmakers.
5. The innovative use of a narrative structure with a character arc in Gertie's story helped set standards for how stories could be told through animation.

Review Questions

• How did Winsor McCay's approach to Gertie the Dinosaur influence the development of character-driven storytelling in animation?
  • Winsor McCay's approach to Gertie involved creating a relatable character with personality traits that resonated with audiences. By incorporating interactive elements during live performances, McCay demonstrated that animated characters could engage viewers emotionally, thus laying the foundation for character-driven storytelling. This set a precedent for future animators to develop complex characters that audiences could connect with on a deeper level.
• Analyze how Gertie the Dinosaur represents a significant advancement in animation techniques during its time.
  • Gertie the Dinosaur exemplifies a major advancement in animation techniques through its use of fluid motion and expressive character design, which were innovative for its time. The film's production involved meticulous hand-drawn animations that showcased advancements in timing and movement. This not only enhanced the believability of animated characters but also paved the way for future innovations in both technique and narrative structure within animated films.
• Evaluate the cultural impact of Gertie the Dinosaur on both the animation industry and popular entertainment as a whole.
  • Gertie the Dinosaur had a profound cultural impact by legitimizing animation as an art form and influencing both the animation industry and broader popular entertainment. Its success demonstrated that animated works could captivate audiences just as much as live-action films, leading to increased interest and investment in animation. Furthermore, Gertie's appeal helped inspire future generations of animators and filmmakers to explore storytelling through this medium, shaping the evolution of animated features and characters into what we know today.

Related terms

Winsor McCay: An American cartoonist and animator, Winsor McCay is best known for creating Gertie the Dinosaur and for his influential comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland.

Animation techniques: Methods used to create animated sequences, including hand-drawn animation, stop-motion, and more modern digital techniques, all evolving from early pioneers like McCay.

Silent film: A film genre that does not include synchronized sound, which was prevalent during the era when Gertie the Dinosaur was created, relying heavily on visual storytelling.