#1467

Godot from Ace Attorney: Trials and Tribulations

Doll Face (2005) by Andrew Thomas Huang is a hauntingly beautiful animated short film that explores themes of identity, self-image, and the dangers of media influence. It presents a robotic, doll-like figure that emerges from a mechanical box, gazing at a screen that continuously displays shifting images of an idealized female face. The doll, eager to match these changing standards, modifies itself—stretching, painting, and distorting its own features—only to find that the image on the screen keeps evolving beyond its reach. In a desperate attempt to keep up, the doll extends too far, ultimately breaking down and collapsing.

The film, created while Huang was a student, is visually striking, blending CGI with a dreamlike, dystopian aesthetic. It serves as a powerful commentary on society’s obsession with beauty standards and the unattainable nature of perfection, especially in the digital age. Despite being made in 2005, Doll Face feels more relevant than ever in today's era of social media and AI-generated beauty filters.

Andrew Thomas Huang, {2005} Doll Face tumblr source rrrauschen Aug 12  directorsnotes.com

I think Doll Face is a masterful piece of visual storytelling, especially considering it was created in 2005. The blend of surrealism and dystopian themes makes it both unsettling and mesmerizing. The animation holds up remarkably well, and its message about the endless pursuit of unattainable beauty is even more relevant today.

WATCH THE SHORT FILM ...

link https://youtu.be/zl6hNj1uOkY