• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.39
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• pp.111-132
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• 2015

Although Rotoscoping technique has been used for a long time to mimic the natural and smooth motion since the early 20th century, its artistic value was devalued as tricks because it traces the already recorded images. But the fact that the rotoscoping images can cross the boundaries between animation and live action in an infinite integral freedom in the digital era became rather expansive new aesthetic possibilities of representation of the reality. In addition, Jonas Odell's animations such as (2010), (2008), (2006) are good example to prove that the rotoscoping images also can serve as means to enhance its narrative. This study is to analyze how rotoscoping images act as a unique role in relation with the narrative based on the said person's real stories and realistic images. I argue that his animated films constantly contain these three characteristics -Images to mediate Auditory sensitivity as a record of inner metaphysical reality, anonymous images to represent a specific existential character, and images that act as physical representation that holds the physical space/time and related memory. This reveals that rotoscoping images in this digital era went beyond reproduction for natural movements or special type of style. It rather suggests new layers of experience, and acquires new value in animation. I hope that this study could serve as a foundation to rediscover and re-position the value of rotoscoping images as well as good opportunity to introduce very talented swedish animation artist who already received global attention with his unique philosophical and aesthetic style.