George Orwell is a British writer, who is primarily famous for his anti-utopian novel 1984. He wrote a great allegorical story-parable, which was full of satire. George Orwell’s classic was a reaction to the events that took place in the then Soviet Union because the author was able to notice that the construction of socialism and communism in it slipped into the abyss of brutal totalitarianism.
It was the source material for many great movies. One of them is the animated film of the same, made by John Halas and Joy Batchelor in 1954. The first feature-length animated movie was made in Europe. The creation of the cartoon was sponsored by the CIA. The cast included Maurice Denham and Gordon Heath.
Animal Farm Plot Beginning
The plot of the picture is based on the plot of the story. Homestead is a thriving former farmhouse that has fallen on hard times but is suffering under the now inefficient management of the aggressive and drunken owner Jones.
One night, all the animals are called to a meeting where he denounces their mistreatment and misfortune under Jones, encouraging the animals to kick him out while emphasizing that they must stay because of their beliefs after they gain freedom. The next morning, Jones forgets to feed the creatures breakfast, and they decide to break into his warehouse to help themselves. Jones wakes up and starts threatening them with his whip.
Main Part
The commandments of animalism are written on the barn wall to illustrate the laws of their community. The most important commandment is the last one, which says: “All animals are equal”. Under the guidance of the white pig Snowball, all the creatures work, but the workhorse Boxer and his donkey friend Benjamin, who is also the main character of the film, put in the extra effort. Meanwhile, he teaches them to read, write and count. There is more food and the farm runs smoothly.
As winter approaches, he announces his idea for a windmill to supply the ranch with electricity, while the boar Napoleon opposes it. When he defiantly vows to shorten their working days, he sets his dogs on Snowball, and they kill him. Subsequently, he declares traitor and makes himself the new leader along with Squealer as his propagandist, and makes changes.
They also decide to change their laws. Soon, his greed leads him to negotiate with a local merchant named Mr. Whymper for supplies of both jelly and jam. The price is for all chicken eggs. To instill fear, he arranges a “trial” in which a sheep and a duck join hens accused of treason. They are taken outside and killed by dogs, using their blood to add the words “for no reason” to the end of the commandment “No animal shall kill another animal”. Man hears them sing the song “Beasts of England” and declares that the revolution is over and the dream of a livestock farm has come true, this song is no longer needed and therefore is now prohibited.
The Culmination
Whymper’s trade with the barnyard flourishes and brings him a huge income, which is noticed by Jones’ drinking companions. Jealous of Whymper’s financial success, a hostile group of pirate farmers attacks the barnyard. Shunned by his bad luck and drunkenness, farmer Jones uses dynamite to blow up a windmill and, in doing so, annoys the barnyard. Although the creatures win the battle, victory comes at the cost of heavy casualties, and Boxer’s leg is injured. Boxer continues to build the windmill until he collapses one night from the effects of the wound. The boar sends a wagon to take Boxer away. Benjamin and the rest of his comrades try to stop the van and save Boxer but in vain. Squealer makes a fake speech, claiming to have been by Boxer’s side on his deathbed, and states that his last words are to glorify him. The frustrated farm inhabitants see the propaganda and realize how tyrannical he has become, Benjamin expresses particular displeasure, but the snarling dogs drive them away before anything can be done. That night, they raise a toast to Boxer’s memory.
Animal Farm Finale
There are many reviews and works on this animation movie. The importance of this work is especially highlighted in the essays on Animal Farm by Studydriver which provide an extensive analysis. Years pass, and the boar, raising his fellow pigs, turnes neighboring farms into businesses, essentially creating his civilization. The animals begin to resemble humans as they walk upright, carry whips, drink alcohol, and wear clothes.
The commandments boil down to one phrase: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”. So all “cool” can even say offensive things addressing other farm inhabitants. This change finally encourages oppressed animals from nearby farms to gather in the barnyard to decide their future. Realizing that their situation in life is even worse than it was before the revolt, the animals storm the farmhouse to overthrow the boar, avenging the deaths of Snowball, Boxer, and their compatriots. Napoleon tries to call his guard dogs, but they are too drunk to answer the call and they are too scared to face the invading horde. Animals trample Napoleon to death. And it is the downfall of tyranny.
The Main Idea of the Cartoon
The picture is evidently one of those that should go on the bucket list of everyone who wants to prepare for college. It depicts some very important historic notions. The cartoon tries to show how one dictatorship, under a noble pretext, is replaced by another. Each of the characters, compared with a historical figure, fully conveys political views and ideas of the person. The author uses personification to draw parallels between famous dictators and the characters. The main idea of the film adaptation is the greed for power and self-interest. They are the eternal vices of human nature.
Conclusion
It is fascinating that the film is still popular. Many people think that it’s the best one of all movies. So, it has an awesome rating on all sites. Of particular interest is that this film can be viewed at different times and draw analogies with world events. Therefore, this motion picture is a good adaptation of the book. Al’s characters have real human sense.
In general, the satirical anti-utopia and the eponymous picture “Animal Farm”, shot seventy years ago, in modern conditions can be recommended not only to intellectuals. It is great to all who are ready to understand how political regimes are formed, the power struggle, and how it can threaten the average citizen.