Lucius Zimmerman

The animator, Lucius Zimmerman, is an animator and inventor in the late 19^th century. He has developed an elaborate chair-rig system that allows him to suspend himself amidst a grand storyboard; his magnum opus. The brief narrative that takes place within the short animation Object of Wrath is a small moment, perhaps a whimsical break from the tedious job of developing an elaborate storyline, where Mr. Zimmerman sketches the fate of one of his creatures.

Object of Wrath is to be seen as a sketch, an intriguing sidebar to the possibilities of animation. The simplicity of the storyline reflects the quest for amusement. When the camera pulls back in the final shot to reveal the entire storyboard of the animator it is important for the audience to realize that Object of Wrath is just a minute portion of the masterpiece the artist is working on.

The reason that Lucius has chosen to post up the frames of his work in sequence is for him to experience all moments of the piece simultaneously. Zimmerman is not concerned with the creature’s point of view – he is not attempting to live in the creature’s world. Rather, the animator desires to experience all the creature’s moments in time because it enhances the pleasure of the artist. Imagine the ability to experience all moments of a pleasure at once, such as the scent of your favorite flower on an unending basis. Some may introduce the notion that there is “too much of a good thing,” but I feel that it is relative to the nature of the experience. It’s akin to the desire to inhabit a gallery of artwork. Being surrounded by favorite works of art, perhaps your art, is much like the desire that Zimmerman has in posting each moment of the created history so that it may be admired individually, but as a part of the whole.

Lucius is purposeful in his art, never frivolous; every line is designed with intention and forward thinking. However, he is not compulsive, just thorough. When crafting the Object and the experiences it will have, Zimmerman is creating a piece of work that he will enjoy – the work is not created for any other reason. The animator is never frustrated or put out with his creation because all contingencies of the creation are his doing.

Zimmerman is unmarried, but not lonely. He takes comfort in his work. Although balding on the top of his head, he enjoys making radical formations out of what remains of his hair because it is another creative act that shows his lightheartedness. He will never be found wearing anything other than a suit with tails. Wearing nice clothes while working produces another sense of satisfaction in creating because he feels that what he does is worthy of honor. Being an artist is not an ordinary profession to Lucius; he understands the profound nature of what is his business and pleasure.