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Love on the Wing

Norman McLaren, 1938

Created by groundbreaking Scottish animator Norman MacLaren as an advertisement for the Post Office, this artful animation about a letter’s journey between two lovers is rich in symbolic imagery.

As it travels, a letter transforms in rapid succession, starting as the man posting the letter, then taking the shape of a man and a woman, their lips, eyes and hearts, butterflies, a snail, a finger, a skull, a horse and many more, all using simple lines in black or white against a colourful backdrop.

 

Clip Details

Genre: Abstract

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Colour, Sound, Fiction, 2D Animation

Clip Length: 05:00

Age Group: S1-S3

Classroom Activities

  • Play the soundtrack for the film without seeing it. Note what those sounds might tell you about the film or what may be appearing on the screen.
  • Freeze frame at 00:14 seconds. What do you think this film will be about? Why?
  • This film was made in 1938. What clues are there to tell you that this is an older film?
  • Stop the film at 01:40 minutes. What event is happening here? How do we know?
  • The music in this film changes a great deal. How does the music impact on what you are seeing on the screen? (Clue: speed).
  • Many of the images are repeated throughout the film, while some only appear once. What images are repeated the most?
  • This film is about love. What images appear that represent love?
  • What matched up items, such as the fork and knife, appear at the end of the film?
  • The focus to the viewer is the changing images on the screen. However, take some time to look at the background. What does it show?
  • This film was once an advert for the post office. How does it promote using the post office?
  • How we communicate has changed over time. What are the main ways we communicate with our loved ones today? Why do we not use posting a letter as much?
  • Adverts are very different today. What is your favourite TV advert? Why? How does it try to persuade you to buy/use the brand/product it is advertising?
  • Think about love. How do we show people we love them? What things are seen as being romantic today? How do people celebrate and show their love?
  • The Love is love campaign – looked at celebrating love and showing positive images of many different relationships. Can people choose who they fall in love with? Discuss.

Clip Details

Genre: Abstract

Country of Origin: UK

Medium/Content: Colour, Sound, Fiction, 2D Animation

Clip Length: 05:00

Education Level: Third & Fourth Level