Here is another VFS short animation feature: “The Heart Collector” by Michael Fallik

The plot is heart-warming (no pun intended), sad, and at the same time morbid. His desire to steal people’s hearts and preserve countless of them in jars is to an extent disturbing, which I find is the essence of the whole plot. His macabre actions are sparked by his desire to love. Like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz, the heart collector’s belief of possessing a heart is vital in order to fall in love or to even feel something. Of course, his wish transforms into a murderous obsession; one heart does not suffice.

The unfinished look (presence of pencil marks that should have been erased) is unappealing and sloppy; it exhibits a lack of extra work usually put on a finalized version. It gives the impression of a rushed up production. However, the only scene in which this gritty look works exceptionally well is the end shot of the heart collector’s face; it produces a dramatic effect and stresses his emotion. Moreover, the heart collector’s inner demon illustrated in a sketchy manner underscores the horror of this demon.

Its strengths: plot, morbidity, character, unpredictability, use of three dimensionality to produce some wild flying heart sequences, sketchy illustrations of the ending, and first-person perspective.

Its weaknesses: crude pencil marks in places that should not have any, demonstrating an unfinished animation, and odd soundtrack (the mixed soundtrack – from a Spanish ballade to a metal song – produces a tacky animation)

I am therefore giving it four Hen-Hop over five.