An enigmatic-looking film with a refined and very graphic-focused form, The Silence Beneath the Bark takes us on a lovely ramble through a delicate and fantasy-filled snowscape. The elongated, child-like characters represent the spirits of the trees in a coming-of-age tale that encourages venturing beyond limitations and overcoming self-consciousness. The forest is portrayed as a place of transitions, mystery and magic, with its qualities illuminated by the brightness of the snow set against the darkness of a night tinged with orange. As with the light and darkness, there are contrasting emotions. After experiencing joy and amazement, one spirit retains a glow from the snow that doesn’t go out. He heads into the storm, a little worried, and finds himself face to face with his reflection. On his return he has grown from the experience, and he dissolves in a tree.
Using a blend of techniques (traditional animation and 3D), the film succeeds in creating a texture that viewers can almost feel. The watercolour drawings use trace lines, dilutions and stains as narrative motifs. The skilfully judged soundscape mixes music, silence and atmospheric sounds, adding to the impression of feeling earthy materials such as tree bark coming vibrantly alive. Viewers are happy to be swept up in this poetic vision of a snow-covered forest populated by giddily flitting spirits.
