Really liked the concept for 'Contact', which sounded very interesting and different. Vladimir Tarasov very quickly fascinated me and what has been seen of his work has been great, 1988's 'The Path' being a major standout which has really stood out among all the science fiction animations seen in uniqueness. His style is very imaginative and quite bold and one can never accuse him of playing it too safe. Soyuzmultfilm were responsible for many gems and have yet to see a dud.
'Contact' is far from a dud and is closer to being a gem. Have seen better from Soyuzmultfilm, but almost everything so great about the studio is here and almost everything works. 'Contact' is not quite as good, as inventive or as ambitious as 'The Path', but it absolutely shows why Tarasov is/was such an interesting animation director and does so well at doing something fresh with the old theme of unlikely friendship. Of the two, it's perhaps a little more accessible.
So much works here, almost everything in fact. The animation has a more Western-looking style compared to other Tarasov animations and also than most of Soyuzmultfilm's output, and it was done in a bold way. It's wonderfully colourful, the blues and greens for instance almost beautifully piercing and the attention to detail is far from simplistic while not trying to do too much. The alien character design is one that won't be forgotten in a hurry and personally have never seen an alien character design quite like the one here in 'Contact'.
The music is also very lively, such as the jazzy vibe in the chase sequence (a well animated and fun one at that). Really loved the idea of the two unlikely friends communicating through music, which did resonate actually with me being somebody that has communicated with some people through music. "Speak Softly Love" is beautiful. 'Contact' is wordless, but again like with for instance 1984's 'The Lion and the Bull' this is a benefit and this is a scenario where dialogue would have felt intrusive and detract from the mood.
Which is a very charming and good-natured one, a difference from the dark moodiness and surreal one of 'The Path'. The two lead characters are so easy to like and identify with and their relationship plays a large part in 'Contact's' appeal. So adorable and touching and it was hard to not feel uplifited at the time.
Only the slightly vague message of freedom disappoints a little.
In summary, wonderful. 9/10.
