#2031

Claycat's DOOM: The Dark Ages is a unique stop-motion animated film that brings the iconic character Claycat to life  in a medieval setting. The film features Claycat wreaking havoc on  various monsters, showcasing the character's claymation abilities.  The soundtrack for the film was provided by sound designer Tim  Atkins, adding to the immersive experience. The film is a humorous  parody of the original DOOM game, merging classic elements with  dark comedy and a lighthearted humor. It offers a delightful  experience that transcends its video game origins, engaging fans in  new and exciting ways.

link https://youtu.be/F5Qz4LSZSdw

CLAYCAT'S DOOM THE DARK AGES

Junkyard favorite, Lee Hardcastle never disappoints when he mixes horror and claymation! The balance of humor, gore, and action Lee's able to deliver in a few minutes always leaves his audience laughing and entertained, and that right there is all you need! This time he places he protagonist, Claycat, inside the world of the video game classic, DOOM.

junkyarddemento May 28

I just watched the nearly 4 minutes of CLAYCAT'S DOOM THE DARK AGES, why would someone invest time and money to create something as horrible is the short film referred, is beyond me, any suggestions

It’s totally fair to feel baffled when a piece of art doesn’t resonate with you—especially when it seems like a lot of effort went into something you find off-putting. But there are a few reasons why someone might pour time and money into a short film like CLAYCAT'S DOOM: THE DARK AGES, even if it feels “horrible” to some viewers:

🎭 Artistic Intent and Style

Claycat’s series is deliberately absurd and grotesque: It’s a parody style that blends ultra-violence with claymation cats—a bizarre juxtaposition meant to provoke, amuse, or disturb.

It’s a tribute to DOOM: The creators are likely fans of the DOOM franchise and wanted to reimagine it through a twisted, humorous lens. For them, it’s a labor of love.

🤹 Audience and Subculture

It’s not for everyone: This kind of niche content often appeals to a specific subculture—gamers, horror fans, or lovers of dark humor.

Shock value is part of the appeal: Some viewers enjoy the “so bad it’s good” or “intentionally grotesque” aesthetic. It’s meant to be weird, not polished.

🎨 Creative Freedom

Independent creators often experiment: Without studio constraints, artists can explore wild ideas. Even if the result feels chaotic, it’s a form of self-expression.

It’s a sandbox for technique: Claymation is incredibly time-consuming. Sometimes the story is secondary to the craft itself—animators might just want to show off their skills.

Here’s the scoop on CLAYCAT'S DOOM: THE DARK AGES—and why someone would go all-in on something so wild:

🎬 Creator’s Vision: Lee Hardcastle

Lee Hardcastle is a UK-based claymation artist known for his ultra-violent, absurd, and darkly humorous shorts. His signature style? Reimagining pop culture through clay cats.

He’s a longtime fan of the DOOM franchise and saw this project as a “fun excuse” to unleash his creativity without worrying too much about faithful adaptation.

🧱 The Craft Behind the Chaos

The short took about 8 weeks to produce: 3 weeks for building sets and characters, 3 for animating, and 2 for post-production.

Hardcastle used clever techniques like in-camera editing and physical rigging to pull off complex shots, including first-person POV scenes.

🤝 Backed by Bethesda

This wasn’t just a fan project—Bethesda Softworks, the publisher behind DOOM, supported the video. They were already fans of Hardcastle’s work and saw him as a perfect fit for their gritty, demon-slaying universe.

🎯 Reception and Intent

GeekTyrant called it “awesomely savage and gory,” praising the brutal cat-on-demon carnage as entertaining and fun.

It’s clearly aimed at a niche audience that enjoys over-the-top violence, parody, and claymation artistry.

So while it might feel “horrible” to some, it’s a celebration of chaos for others—and a showcase of Hardcastle’s unique animation chops.

Here’s what I found about CLAYCAT'S DOOM: THE DARK AGES—and why it exists despite its chaotic, grotesque style:

🎨 Who Made It and Why

The short film was created by Lee Hardcastle, a UK-based claymation artist known for blending extreme violence with absurd humor—often using clay cats as protagonists.

Hardcastle’s work is intentionally provocative and surreal. He’s built a niche fanbase that appreciates his “clay horror” aesthetic, which often parodies pop culture with gory twists.

🕹️ Connection to DOOM

This particular short was made in collaboration with Bethesda Softworks, the publisher of the DOOM franchise. It was part of a promotional campaign for DOOM: The Dark Ages, showcasing the game’s brutal tone through Hardcastle’s signature style.

The film reimagines DOOM’s medieval setting with clay cats battling demonic forces—an homage to the franchise’s over-the-top violence and dark fantasy themes.

🤯 Reception and Impact

While some viewers (like yourself) find it disturbing or pointless, others see it as a creative tribute to DOOM’s legacy.

Fans of Hardcastle praise the craftsmanship behind the claymation, which is notoriously labor-intensive. Even if the story feels chaotic, the animation itself is a technical feat.

🧠 Why Invest in Something So “Horrible”?

It’s about artistic freedom and shock value. Hardcastle’s work isn’t meant to be universally appealing—it’s designed to push boundaries and provoke reactions.

For Bethesda, it’s a way to connect with hardcore fans who appreciate DOOM’s brutal aesthetic and unconventional marketing.

If you’re up for a palate cleanser, I can recommend some short films that lean more poetic, emotional, or visually stunning. Want to explore that side of cinema? lets have it

Here’s your cinematic palate cleanser—an exquisite mix of poetic, emotional, and visually stunning short films that offer beauty, depth, and soul in just a few minutes:

🌸 Poetic & Visually Stunning Short Films

These films elevate everyday moments into dreamlike experiences:

“Koridorius” (1995, Sharunas Bartas) A slow, atmospheric journey through a crumbling apartment complex. It’s less about plot and more about mood—perfect for fans of visual storytelling.

“The Wind Will Carry Us” (1999, Abbas Kiarostami) A quiet, contemplative film set in a remote village. It captures the poetry of everyday life and the beauty of waiting.

💔 Emotional Short Films That Hit Deep

These stories pack a punch in under 10 minutes:

“Purl” (2018, Pixar SparkShorts) A pink ball of yarn tries to fit into a macho workplace. Funny, heartbreaking, and ultimately empowering.

“Coin Operated” (2017) A boy dreams of space travel. A lifetime of saving leads to a bittersweet payoff. It’s whimsical and deeply moving.

“Float” (2019, Pixar SparkShorts) A father struggles to protect his son’s unique ability to float. A touching metaphor for parenting and acceptance.

“The Present” (2014) A boy receives a disabled puppy and learns to embrace life’s imperfections. Simple, powerful, and unforgettable.

“Bao” (2018, Pixar) A mother’s love takes the form of a living dumpling. It’s a surreal but deeply emotional tale of parenting and letting go.

🎨 Visually Stunning Short Films

These are pure eye candy with heart:

“Canvas” (2020) A grieving grandfather rediscovers his passion for painting through love and memory. Every frame is a painting.

“The Red Balloon” (1956) A boy and his sentient balloon wander Paris. It’s whimsical, magical, and a visual poem.

“Hotel Chevalier” (2007, Wes Anderson) A stylish, melancholic prelude to The Darjeeling Limited. Anderson’s signature visuals and emotional restraint shine.

If you're looking for poetic cinema in the short film format, I can suggest works that truly fit that category—like:

🎞️ Actual Poetic Short Films

“Meshes of the Afternoon” (1943, Maya Deren) A surreal, dreamlike exploration of identity and perception. Only 14 minutes long, but deeply influential.

“La Jetée” (1962, Chris Marker) A haunting sci-fi tale told through still images. It’s poetic, philosophical, and only 28 minutes.