April Fools' Day is a day of pranks and jokes, but Adult Swim took a different approach this year. Instead of playing a cruel joke on the Smiling Friends fandom, they aired a full-length horror claymation short, 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws'. This move not only surprised fans but also showcased the creativity and dedication of Adult Swim and its collaborators. In this article, we delve into the making of 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' and explore the unique vision behind it.
A Reverse-Engineered Short
The idea for 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' came about as a joke. Lee Hardcastle, the artist behind the short, initially created a short sting for Adult Swim's 'Curse of the Green Halloween Witch' episode. The joke was that it felt like the ending of a film that didn't exist. However, the short gained traction, and Adult Swim asked Hardcastle to expand it into a full-length short.
Hardcastle explains, 'I basically reverse-engineered the rest of it—built a full film that leads into that original ending.' This process allowed him to explore the potential of the concept and create a cohesive and engaging story. The short's success can be attributed to its unique approach and the talent of its creators.
The Art of Claymation
Claymation is a labor-intensive art form, and 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' is a testament to its challenges. Hardcastle describes the process as a test of patience and consistency. He kept everything hands-on, using real materials and practical lighting to create a tactile and visceral experience.
'A lot of it is just leaning into what clay does naturally rather than fighting it,' Hardcastle says. He emphasizes the importance of fingerprints, slight warping, and imperfections to sell the physicality of the characters. The lighting plays a crucial role in creating a sense of horror, with hard shadows and directional light.
The animation process was a grueling three-month journey. Hardcastle had to write the script, build sets and characters, and then animate the entire short. The animation itself was the most time-consuming part, requiring a vast number of frames to be physically moved and shot. The consistency required to maintain the lighting, characters, and tone for such a long period was a significant challenge.
A Lynchian Horror Experience
'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' carries an uncanny, industrial, and almost Lynchian energy. Hardcastle draws inspiration from films like 'Eraserhead' and 'Silent Hill,' which explore the darker aspects of reality. He recalls his early encounter with 'Eraserhead' and how it stirred emotions he couldn't understand at the time.
'It was a completely different kind of horror,' he says. 'It made me feel angry, depressed... I hated it for years. But as I got older, it sort of flipped. Now it’s a comfort film in a strange way. I think it’s beautiful.'
The influence of 'Silent Hill' and Carl Jung's ideas about the unconscious mind are evident in the short's exploration of shifting realities and the 'shadow realm.' Hardcastle's personal connection to these themes adds depth and intrigue to the animation.
A Collaboration with Smiling Friends
Hardcastle's involvement with Smiling Friends began through Adult Swim. He had previously worked on IDs for the network and was drawn to the show's multimedia nature and the team's creativity. When Smiling Friends came along, he was excited to collaborate with the internet animators behind Salad Fingers and the Burger King Foot Lettuce video.
'It felt like my kind of crowd,' he says. The show's ending, which left fans confused, only added to the intrigue. Hardcastle's perspective on the news highlights the network's good showmanship and the unexpected nature of the short's release.
A Poetic Justice for Spook Train
The short 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' feels like a poetic justice for Hardcastle's previous project, 'Spook Train.' The Kickstarter campaign for 'Spook Train' fell through, and Hardcastle's attempts to self-fund more episodes didn't succeed. However, the short's release through Smiling Friends provides a platform for his work to reach an audience.
'It feels like something that wasn’t supposed to happen—but did anyway,' Hardcastle reflects. The short's success and its place within the Smiling Friends ecosystem highlight the network's willingness to take risks and support unique creations.
In conclusion, Adult Swim's decision to air 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' on April Fools' Day was a bold move that paid off. The short's success showcases the power of creativity and the impact of unique storytelling. As fans continue to explore the world of Smiling Friends, 'Ghosts 'n Chainsaws' adds a new layer of depth and intrigue to the franchise's legacy.
