Episode 3 - Jason and the Argonauts (Don Chaffey, 1963)

Jason and the Argonauts (Don Chaffey, 1963).

Jason and the Argonauts (Don Chaffey, 1963).

The Fantasy/Animation podcast takes listeners on a journey through the intersection between fantasy cinema and the medium of animation. Available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many of your favourite podcast hosting platforms!

The third episode sees Chris and Alex reflecting on Jason and the Argonauts (Don Chaffey, 1963), which showcases the pioneering work of stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen. Based on classical Greek mythology, the film's famed 'skeleton warrior' battle sequence designed by Harryhausen fully encapsulates the possibilities of animated special effects for fantasy cinema.

Suggested Readings

  • Bordwell, David, Janet Staiger and Kristen Thompson, 1985. Classical Hollywood Cinema: Film Style and Mode of Production to 1960. New York: Columbia University Press.

  • Gunning, Tom. 1990. Cinema of Attractions: Early Film, Its Spectator and the Avant-Garde. London: BFI Publishing.

  • Harryhausen, Ray, and Tony Dalton. 2003. Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life. London: Aurum Press. 

PODCASTChristopher Holliday and Alexander SergeantFANTASY, MYTHOLOGY, ANIMATION, STOP-MOTIONComment