You wouldn’t expect the latest kid-friendly release to offer up an opportunity to discuss cinematic traditions, but “Shaun the Sheep” from “Wallace and Gromit” and “Chicken Run” filmmakers Aardman Animations isn’t like most kid movies. The dialogue-free film uses ingenious visual storytelling to weave the tale of Shaun, the intrepid little sheep, and his pals, who set out to rescue their bumbling farmer.
Done with the signature Claymation animation Aardman has made its hallmark, “Shaun the Sheep” tells the story of a quiet farm, where routine has become rote, and the schedule rules all. Shaun, the cleverest of the sheep, longs for a day off and sets in motion a plan that quickly goes off the rails, landing their farmer adrift in the big city. Bitzer, the dog, and Shaun have to join forces in the unknown land, to rescue him, and to steer clear of the clutches of an evil animal containment officer.
The film draws on various cinematic tropes to heighten its story, utilizing recognizable devices from suspense and action films, which draw from silent movie and serial pioneers such as “The Perils of Pauline.” Of course, when these devices from crime, action and heist films feature a gaggle of adorable clay sheep, it takes on a vastly different tenor. But they help the film to feel fresh, modern and satisfying, which is oriented toward children but not dumbed down in the slightest. “Shaun,” like its protagonist, is incredibly smart and clever, but cute and silly enough to engage even the smallest of audience members.
This discussion of cinematic history is not to overanalyze or imbue “Shaun” with over-importance but to marvel at the ways in which writer-directors Mark Burton and Richard Starzak are able to create a compelling, action-packed, hilarious story with a few lumps of clay and not a word of dialogue. It’s not “silent” — there’s music, sound effects, grunts and mumbles, in addition to signage and written words, but this is a purely visual story.
