Here, in Lotte Reiniger's first film -- she had already done some work for Paul Wegener -- we see the basis of her peculiar form of animation. Although there had been other works that used articulated paper puppets -- certainly Emile Cohl had used the technique, as he had already used every technique of animation -- Reiniger's silhouettes had very involved cuts and a tremendous number of joints. Just look at the way the individual triangles that make up the bower that shelters the lovers shift again and again.

Reiniger's technique would improve and this particular effort is, in light of her later work, little more than a test to determine if the techniques will work. It's beautiful on its own terms, but not a patch on her later work.

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

Benedict Cumberbatch in The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Debut of influential silhouette animator Lotte Reiniger. Two lovers interact with an ornate background that shifts and changes in tandem with with their own balletic movements as they express their feelings for each other.

The Ornament of the Lovestruck Heart (1919)

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"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

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Lotte Reiniger: Homage to the Inventor of the Silhouette Film

The Ornament of the Lovestruck Heart

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