As well as my high appreciation for stop motion/puppet animation and for Jiri Trnka, my main reason for seeing 'Story of the Bass Cello' was to see how it would adapt one of Anton Chekhov's, known more for his multi-dimensional characterisation and mastery of mood building that is evident in the likes of 'Uncle Vanya' and 'The Cherry Orchard', most accessible pieces of literature. With it being simpler characterisation-wise and thematically than his better known works.
'Story of the Bass Cello' is adapted beautifully here and is likely to make one eager to get more acquainted for Chekhov's work. Just be prepared for everything else of his being very different, and it may come over as a shock at first. It was the other way around, being familiar with Chekhov already but only having seen this recently. 'Story of the Bass Cello' is excellent too as a standalone and for me it is one of Trnka's best and most accessible short films and stacks up very well with the rest of his work as well.
My only issue really for 'Story of the Bass Cello' is that it is a little slow at times.
It however does look wonderful, as colourful and beautifully and meticulously detailed as ever. As well as scored in a way that suits the charming atmosphere fittingly. The comedy is genuinely amusing, it is all silent and of a gentle rather than outrageous kind but beautifully timed.
The story is very sweet, without being sickly, and filled with charm. Was moved by it too. The characterisation is simple but also very human and easy to be endeared by.
Overall, beautiful. 9/10.
