The Old Fools


A clear-eyed look at the inevitability of our demise based on Philp Larkin’s poem of the same name, voiced by Bob Geldof.


Credits

Director Ruth Lingford
Animator Ruth Lingford
Editor Jo Ann Kaplan
Sound Designer Phillipe Ciompi
Producer Jane Colling


Synopses

A clear-eyed look at the inevitability of our demise based on Philp Larkin's poem of the same name, voiced by Bob Geldof.

A direct look at the inevitability of our own decay and death. With some humour and visual seduction, the film uses images that are visceral, abrasive and sometimes quite beautiful, hinting at the consequences of our society's denial of death.

The Old Fools, directed by Ruth Lingford, is based on the poem of the same name by Philip Larkin, written when the poet's mother was in a nursing home. Like the poem, the film explores the ambivalent feelings of tenderness and disgust, compassion and terror evoked by countenancing the decay and death of a loved parent. It offers a clear-eyed look at the inevitability of our own demise, using images that are visceral, abrasive and sometimes quite beautiful. The film hints at the consequences of our society's denial of death. Techniques include DV footage, drawings and typography digitally animated, using Painter and After Effects.


Technical information

DV footage is combined with drawn animation using Painter and After Effects.


Full credits

Director Ruth Lingford
Based upon The Old Fools by Phillip Larkin © Philip Larkin
Animator Ruth Lingford
Editor Jo Ann Kaplan
Sound Designer Phillipe Ciompi
Producer Jane Colling