Neighbors

Stop motion/pixelation was the best approach for the film's subject matter because it allowed the creator to create unique stylistic choices that wouldn't be possible with traditional film/video. The introduction with the houses and chairs sliding across the ground would not have had the same visual effect and smoothness that was captured by the use of stop motion. The use of substitution is seen many times throughout the film, especially in the first appearance of the neighbors. Their sudden appearance creates a different effect and mood than seeing them walk in and sit down. This is seen again when the neighbors look at each other as the flower appears. Their movement has no in-between frames, only a jump to a new pose. Stop motion also gives the creators the ability to move and pose the flower without the need to use CGI or any other post-production work. Following a theme of movement without in-between frames, the neighbors can move without the viewer seeing a full walking sequence, they slide with their feet flat on the ground, which is not possible using film/video. This is also seen when one of the neighbors appears to be floating, which is created by having the actor jump repeatedly and using only the frames that show him in the air. Overall, this style could not have been effectively created without the use of stop motion and neighbors would not have been as appealing of a film.