The Wrong Trousers (1993) directed by Nick Park

Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (Nick PARK, 1993) is an animated short film and part of the Wallace and Gromit series. The narrative belongs to the theme of overcoming a monster. The film displays character types linking to the theory by Carl Yung. Gromit is arguably the protagonist and hero as from the beginning, audiences are made to take a preferred reading and sympathise with his character. Whereas Wallace follows the archetypes of the helper and the princess (to be saved by the hero).  The Wrong Trousers (PARK,1993) takes a linear order of narrative structure (Tzvetan Todorov). Starting at the equilibrium through the opening sequence, introducing the characters and establishing their daily life. It’s Gromit’s birthday and he worries that Wallace has forgotten, suggested through how Wallace ignores the birthday tune from Gromit’s card. Gromit’s hope is embodied through the tune as it begins to fade once Wallace ignores it. However, Wallace actually got him some presents; firstly, a collar that Gromit is displeased by and this is denoted by how he breaks the fourth wall (Bertolt Brecht), acting as another way in which the audience give sympathy towards him. The disruption of the film starts when Wallace reveals they are stuck in a financial dilemma so he sees the solution the rent out a room. The guest is the character of Penguin, who both Gromit and the audience are suspicious of, presented by his entrance music which holds a sinister tone. The penguin attempts to replace Gromit as Wallace’s companion by stealing his room and forcing him to sleep outside. These actions drive him to run away. This presents a narrative conflict between the character’s Gromit and the penguin. From the penguin’s room, he plays music to disturb Gromit and mock him by playing “How much is that doggie in the window?”, but the music also acts as a distraction for when the penguin is out of the house, lending to the mystique of this character. The sequence also shows that the penguin is attempting to repurpose the wrong trousers, creating dramatic irony as the audience knows what is happening but the characters are unbeknownst. Soon after, Gromit is looking for a place to rent out, but to no prevail. This acts as the recognition as the narrative twist of the film is that the penguin is, in fact, a criminal, presented by an objective over-shoulder shot of a wanted poster, believing him to be a chicken. Gromit begins to follow the penguin through the back alleys and in a comedic way, hides in a cardboard box with eye holes cut out. The comedic factor is further escalated as the box depicts dogfood and a picture of a dog; the eye holes are cut perfectly in line. Now Gromit realises the truth that the penguin is a jewel thief. This realisation is furthered as Gromit hides under Wallace’s bed. Shown through a mix of subjective POV shots and close-ups of Gromit, the audience understands the shock and fear in Gromit. Gromit later tries to catch the penguin through a long-length chase throughout the house. The sequence gives off a western-style chase scene as the characters ride along the toy train track running in the house and the music accompanies this aesthetic by the chaos and panic the characters are in. The comedy is masterful as Gromit must place track down rapidly in front of him to continue his pursuit. The penguin is flung into the air, cutting between him and Gromit with funny sound design. Prevailing, he catches the penguin in a milk bottle. Establishing a new equilibrium as they receive the reward for the wanted penguin, resolving their financial problems. 

Overall, The Wrong Trousers (PARK, 1993) is a comedic short film that follows a linear yet fun narrative. I would take inspiration from how the audience his made to follow the protagonist by creating sympathy for them, but also with the use of breaking the fourth wall to make a connection with spectators. Also, I would take influence in my coursework with the use of visual comedy.