Rules of Play Review

Rules of Play is a 2018 animated short film directed by Merlin Flugel.

Featuring rich animation with layered sound design, Rules of Play is both nostalgic and surrealist in story and scope.

One of the most striking first notes that will stick out when sitting down to this short animated film is the sound design. It is at first a little haunting but soon becomes encased in quick bits of noises not too far removed from the state of play inspiration that the film takes on.

The characters that inhabit this world are strangely humanoid with their chalkboard faces, but exhibit behaviors like that of a child. The architecture that shapes this place takes on the form of familiar board games, and schoolyard days of recess shenanigans.

The most satirical element to the film is how the rules for the games seem to not matter, or if they do they are being determined on the spot.

It is reminiscent of the days playing with friends where you would try to invent a new activity to partake in or how you would find your own rules to govern the games you always played to freshen things up.

The animation featured is fluid and does not hold back on what it can do. There are some beautiful wide shots scattered amongst the layered medium/close up frames that round out the entire viewing experience.

While the surrealist styling may not be for every audience member, Rules of Play evokes a strong nostalgic tinge that is sure to make even the most passive viewer remember the school days of yesteryear. With so many significant elements coming together, Merlin Flugel has crafted a mesmerizing visual landscape.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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