A Journey of Healing: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse”
Embarking on an Oscar journey, let’s delve into “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” a nominee for the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.
Despite its brief 34-minute runtime, the film creates an immersive experience that feels akin to watching a feature-length movie. It’s a captivating and peculiar sensation, one that’s truly worth experiencing.
From Page to Screen
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” is adapted from the beloved illustrated book of the same name, penned by Charlie Mackesy.
To understand the film’s essence, let’s turn to Charlie Mackesy’s own words:
Q: What aspects of yourself do each of the characters represent? What aspects of us do they symbolize? A: They represent different facets of ourselves. The boy embodies the child within us, forever questioning the world. The horse represents wisdom and the depths of our souls. The fox symbolizes the vulnerable, shy parts of us that have been hurt. And the mole represents our inner cravings, especially for food. So, these characters represent different aspects of ourselves, and of me. Q: Do animals hold a special place in your heart? Why? A: Absolutely. You can trust them completely, and you can love an animal deeply and sincerely, even though it has never spoken a word to you. This makes us think about the meaning and value of “silence.” Animals possess a purity that humans have lost, and we can learn so much from them.
I grew up on a farm, spending a lot of time with dogs, sheep, horses, cats, and rabbits, connecting with nature. Most nights, instead of sitting in front of the TV, I would sit on a hill, lost in thought. I remember walking miles every night, through the hills of Northumberland, watching badgers cross the fields and foxes chase rabbits. I was deeply fascinated by it all, even more so than I was by people. It was a new world, a place you could enter and immerse yourself in.
The original author has articulated the film’s message with such clarity that further elaboration seems almost unnecessary. However, a few words of reflection are in order, to commemorate the experience of watching it.
Finding Solace in the Wilderness
The film places the young boy in a vast, desolate wilderness, under an endless sky and amidst snow-covered fields. This symbolizes that every adult, regardless of where they live, carries a sense of inner wilderness, of being alone, wandering aimlessly, without a home or friends. This feeling is poignant and universal.
The gradual appearance of the mole, the fox, and the horse unveils the different needs within the boy’s heart. These elements then come together, influencing and comforting one another.
Watching “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” is a process of placing oneself in that wilderness and reconciling with oneself. It’s a healing, heartwarming, and comforting experience.
The most important aspect is the time spent emptying oneself and then reconciling with oneself.
Bit by bit, step by step, tap by tap, it soothes one’s restless heart.
Therefore, the original 34 minutes seem to stretch into an hour or more.
A Heartfelt Recommendation
To confront yourself and find solace, consider watching “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” a healing short film.
Having seen it, I sincerely hope it wins the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. Thank you!