Hell-bent for election

Definition

Hell-bent for election refers to an intense and unwavering determination to achieve a particular goal, often in a competitive or politically charged context. This phrase connects deeply with the modernist animation movement, illustrating how creators were driven by a desire to break away from traditional animation styles and embrace innovative techniques and aesthetics that reflected contemporary art movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'hell-bent for election' captures the fervor with which UPA sought to innovate and redefine animation, breaking free from Disney's dominance in the industry.
2. UPA's approach was heavily influenced by modern art movements like Cubism and Surrealism, which encouraged unconventional storytelling and visual experimentation.
3. Hell-bent for election reflects the competitive spirit of UPA as they aimed to carve out a distinct identity in the animation landscape during the mid-20th century.
4. This determination led to iconic works such as 'Gerald McBoing Boing,' which showcased innovative design and narrative techniques that diverged from mainstream animation norms.
5. The drive to innovate can be seen as a response to societal changes post-World War II, where artists sought new forms of expression to reflect contemporary realities.

Review Questions

• How did the phrase 'hell-bent for election' manifest in UPA's approach to animation during its rise?
  • 'Hell-bent for election' illustrates UPA's unwavering commitment to innovation as they sought to establish their identity separate from traditional animation. This phrase captures the studio's determination to embrace modernist aesthetics, leading them to experiment with abstract forms and narratives. Their work reflected not only artistic ambition but also a reaction against established norms within the industry, pushing boundaries in animation.
• Discuss the impact of modernism on UPA's animation style and how it aligns with the concept of being 'hell-bent for election.'
  • Modernism significantly influenced UPA's animation style by promoting simplicity and abstraction over realism. The term 'hell-bent for election' relates directly to UPA's relentless pursuit of creative freedom, allowing them to draw inspiration from contemporary art movements. This led to distinctive visual choices that prioritized artistic expression, reflecting the urgency and drive inherent in their work as they sought to make their mark on the animation landscape.
• Evaluate how UPA's determination, as described by 'hell-bent for election,' transformed the animation industry and paved the way for future styles.
  • UPA's relentless pursuit of innovation fundamentally transformed the animation industry by challenging prevailing conventions and introducing new visual languages. Their commitment to modernist principles encouraged other animators to experiment with form, color, and narrative structure. As a result, this determination not only established UPA as a leader in animation but also inspired future generations of animators who would continue to explore new artistic territories, reflecting ongoing societal shifts and artistic trends.

Related terms

Modernism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from tradition and a focus on new forms of expression in art, literature, and design.

UPA (United Productions of America): An animation studio founded in 1943 that played a pivotal role in the development of modernist animation through its unique visual style and storytelling approach.

Abstract Animation: A style of animation that prioritizes visual abstraction over narrative content, often using shape, color, and motion to convey meaning and emotion.