August 13th, 2010
Rowan Atkinson – Invisible Drum Kit
I found online what I still consider one of the most inspirational things I’ve watched and owned as an animator. I found a VHS version of this back in college, and on and off I’ve watched and studied this clip so many times. Every time I’ve watched it, I’ve found something new and that says something. From an animation point of view, this clip has about everything I love about what it is that we do. Totally recommended.
Things to watch for:
- Timing: It creates expectations but surprises you in amazing ways. Wonderful texture/rhythm throughout the whole thing. Some repetitions contrasted by an increase in the intensity of the performance, but adding entertaining beats & accents.
- Leading the eye: He’s dealing with invisible objects, yet through his body language/posing you know exactly where to look at.
- Expressions: It’s Mr.Bean, so you know you’ll have some unique facial expressions worth studying no matter what.
- Choices/ideas: Some of the choices throughout are original.
- Subtext: Some great bits throughout. Once he tests the drums, the expression of joy he does is brilliant. Almost like saying “oh boy…”.
- Keeps you watching: event when the drum sticks fall, he finds entertaining ways to keep you watching and keep the beat/rhythm going as well.
Some of this stuff may seem repetitive, but sometimes I really feel like I have to re-watch things like these to get inspired again. Enjoy.
Carlos.
17 Responses to “Rowan Atkinson – Invisible Drum Kit”
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That’s brilliant, thanks for sharing!
Looking at that on Youtube, I also discovered him ‘conducting’ which is also worth a look – full of amazing timing, incredible hand movements and great faces! Lots of changes of emotion too. Hilarious and lots of interesting things to observe.
Nice!
This video and that one have a lot in common
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPNxTCp9mEQ
Hey Carolos…that was awesome! Great timing for Rowan and for the guy doing the sound. (Probably a synth or something) And I love his reactions! He’s great at showing the changes of his emotion (from discovery to joy to surprise, back to joy, etc etc) Thanks for posting! =) It was great seeing you guys at Siggraph…sorry I couldn’t make it to your pirate party…hopefully I’ll see you guys soon!
jaja, se nota que te divierte el tipo, a mi también… es uno de los mejores comediantes y una excelente referencia para poses
Hahaha!! That was FUN!
Thanks 4 sharing.
that was a very nice video.Thank you very much for sharing.Rowan Atkinson is a great actor and I’m a die hard fan of Mr.Bean.
“oh boy” at 1:27
great find Carlos! thanks for sharing inspiration
Rowan Atkinson’s comedy and acting skills are stellar, period, and I’m a serious fan. (: Thanks a lot for sharing something that’s so informational and so fun
Another similar work by Michel Courtemanche, who I really admire. Great acting, timing, improv, how he controls his body and his face, the anticipation of movements…, and the fact that there are no words, making it international.
His work fascinates me. I hope you also enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xgI6fVZdso
check also his Samurai, Zirkus, L’halterophile, Claustrophobe..videos
Me encanta! Thanks for sharing, I’m a fan of Rowan Atkinson and I didn’t know this act. I love it!!
Thanks Carlos for that,
it’s so funny and sooo ispirational as you said!!:) Great acting timing.Have a good week
Davide
Awesome stuff!!! Thanks for sharing, Carlos!
Hey, I liked your post. Can’t see too many like this on the net that is a shame. I will root through a number of your older pages and see what you have. Seems to be terrific.
Love Rowan Atkinson, but I’ve never seen this before. Totally awesome!!!!
That was awesome Carlos! Loved the timing and the unexpected surprises.
That was great!! Timing was superb!! Thank you for sharing that wonderful thing.