There were two main reasons for wanting to see 'The Song of the Prairie'. That it was directed by Jiri Trnka, a pioneering figure in the development of stop motion/puppet animation. Who also has a very good track record when it comes to his short films. And also that the genre was the Western (not one of my favourite genres but have always appreciated it), was very intrigued in seeing how well it would work in stop motion/puppet animation and to see it both parodied and paid homage to.
In my view, 'The Song of the Prairie' is one of Trnka's best overall works, a strong contender for his best short film and another one of his most accessible. Containing too some of his best and most inspired work as a director. Despite being an early effort of his, one would not think so with the technique looking as good as it is and it was like he had already found his niche. His style suits itself well to the Western genre, and when it comes to parodying and homaging 'The Song of the Prairie' is pretty much a triumph.
Here in 'The Song of the Prairie', the visuals are beautifully detailed and suitably quirky. Nothing sloppy about the way the characters move. The photography captures the quirkiness of the character designs and the colourful atmosphere of the backgrounds very vividly. The use of music is also quite charming, in a way that rouses the spirits and the characterful energy is difficult to resist.
Loved the tongue in cheek and visually imaginative humour and there is not a dull moment in the action. 'The Song of the Prairie' not only hilariously and cleverly parodies the Western genre, but it also very affectionately pays homage to and honours it. The story may be slight.
But it is also immensely entertaining and charming. A vast majority of the typical Western genre cliches are here, but they are embraced and not treated in a throaway or too derivative a fashion. Almost like a love letter to the genre. The characterisation is quirky and human while not trying to over-complicate.
Overall, wonderful. 10/10.
