For anyone curious about stop-motion, Matt Eslinger has no shortage of recommendations.
His list spans decades of filmmaking, from childhood favorites to modern masterpieces. He cites “Kubo and the Two Strings,” “Coraline,” Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” and Wes Anderson’s “Isle of Dogs” as examples of the medium at its creative peak.
He also recommends “Wendell & Wild” and Phil Tippett’s dark fantasy film “Mad God,” though he notes that the latter is not intended for children.
Classic works remain just as important. Eslinger points to “The Nightmare Before Christmas” as proof that great stop-motion never feels dated, and he credits “Gumby” as a major influence from his childhood.
The pioneering work of Ray Harryhausen, particularly “Jason and the Argonauts” and “Clash of the Titans,” remains essential viewing for anyone interested in the history of the craft.
His recommendations reveal what he values most in animation: memorable characters, handcrafted artistry and storytelling that transcends technology. Whether the film was released last year or 90 years ago, Eslinger believes the best stop-motion productions share the same quality – viewers can still see the human hand behind every frame.