There’s a really good chance that you may never have heard of Bill Plympton. Or the name might sound familiar, but you can’t quite place it. In spite of this, you have almost undoubtedly seen the man’s work at some time or another. Plympton is an animator, and his animation style is unique. Once you’ve seen it, you won’t forget it. All of the lines, textures and shadning of his animation seem to be in constant motion. There often seems to be a lot of pain involved as well. Most of his work has been in the area of short films and they have long made the festival circuit, but since 1992 he has worked on a number of feature length projects. His first, “The Tune”, contains what I consider to be his most famous scene. In it, there are two men facing each other, and they take turns messing with each others heads. Noses get pulled and stretched to ‘cartoon-ish’ proportions or ears are tied together, each strike getting more and more outrageous until whole heads are knocked off.

You can’t help flinching between all the laughter. Of course, this little sequence has little to do with the rest of the film, it just is.

The story, much as it is, involves a struggling songwriter who is given the unenviable task of creating the perfect song for a sleazy music mogul. If he doesn’t deliver, he runs the risk of losing his job, his girl, and everything in between. On his quest for the perfect song, he ends up in the land of (are you ready for this?) Flooby-Nooby. He must face Elvis-impersonating dogs and nose-less cab drivers, all of whom seem quite ready to belt out a tune. I’m honestly not sure whether or not it is better to watch the movie on or off drugs. (Disclaimer: This website and critic do not condone the use of illegal drugs, medications, or Elvis impersonators)

Some of Plympton’s work gets really ‘out there’, and admittedly “The Tune” is right there with them. Of his films that I’ve seen, it is probably the tamest. A couple of years ago, I caught “Mutant Aliens”, and while it was funny, there wasn’t a chance in hell I was going to let the kids watch it. I’d be a little more likely to let ‘em watch “The Tune.” I’d be curious to see if they’d get into the animation style.

New Video has just released “The Tune” on DVD and I have to say I was quite surprised by the quality of the bonus features. The first is a feature length commentary by Plympton. He is joined by composer Maureen McElheron and the two chat throughout the film, going into little minute details of the project. Even better is the terrific documentary, shot in 1992, “Bill Plympton: Twisted Toons.” Besides the fact that you get to learn a lot about the man’s style, Matt Groening (“The Simpsons”) shows up in an interview. There is also Plympton’s very first animated short which was created for the Florida State University Yearbook back in 1968. It’s a very simple piece of animation, but the man’s burgeoning talent is quite evident. You’ll also find galleries full of storyboard images and photos, as well as biographies and trailers.

I’ll admit that not everyone will enjoy the work of Bill Plympton, but if you’re willing to give it a try, “The Tune” is a great introduction piece.

Directed by: Bill Plympton
Extras: Filmmaker Commentary from Bill Plympton & Composer Maureen McElhorn, Exclusive Documentary on Bill Plympton: Twisted Toons, The Tune ‘Making of…’ Storyboard Gallery, Bill Plympton Photo Gallery, Music Tracks from The Tune, Hair High Trailer, Filmmakers Biographies
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Stereo
Studio: New Video
Release Date: 7/27/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Tune a B-.