Phil Mulloy

Phil Mulloy is a British animator. He was born in Wallasey, Merseyside and studied both painting and filmmaking. Mulloy worked as a writer and director of live-action films until the late 1980s before becoming an animator. His animations have been described as “satirical grotesque” and often portray the dark side of human nature and contemporary social, political, and religious values in a humorous and at times, shocking way. His visual style is distinctive in its use of primitive, often skeletal figures and minimalist backgrounds. Mulloy has made over 30 animated films many of which are in themed groupings based on Hollywood genres. Mulloy has won many international awards for his work and has conducted several workshops for young animators.

The sound of Music. Not to be confused with the syrupy musical of the same name, this Sound of Music is one of animator Phil Mulloy’s ghastliest portrayals of a culture deformed by violence and greed. Wolf works by day as a window washer. On his way up the skyscraper he witnesses scenes of degradation: domestic murders, police brutality, dog fights and on and on. At night, Wolf plays saxophone at a charity gala where the upper crust stuffs itself in a manner reminiscent of Jonathan Swift’s "A Modest Proposal." Alex Balensca’s clattering score twists and turns with Mulloy’s dissolute inkblots, edging ever closer towards a void. If you ever needed proof that the British provocateur views art as a blunt weapon, this it is.

Exhibition at Innis Town Hall-University of Toronto, Canada; in the framework of aluCine Festival in co-presentation with MediaWare Festival.