Chuck Jones - The Evolution of an Artist

If you grew up watching Looney Tunes, then you know Chuck Jones, one of all-time masters of visual comedy. Normally I would talk about his ingenious framing and timing, but not today. Instead, I’d like to explore the evolution of his sensibilities as an artist. To see the names of the films, press the CC button and select “Movie Titles.”

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Music:
Raymond Scott - “Powerhouse," "Minuet in Jazz,” “Twilight in Turkey,” “The Toy Trumpet"
Carl Stalling - "Scentimental Romeo," "Guided Muscle,” "Feline Frame-Up,” “Rabbit Seasoning," “Duck! Rabbit, Duck!”
Milt Franklyn - “One Froggy Evening,” "Robin Hood Daffy,” “What’s Opera, Doc?"

Interview Clips (from Looney Tunes Platinum Collection Vol 1):

Recommended Reading:

Help us caption & translate this video!

[thexbigxgreen]

Rabbit of Seville and What's Opera, Doc? are two of the greatest cartoons ever created, regardless of genre.

[nikkitanaka]

The point about reading is dead on. I can't describe how tired I'm of movies and animation having really stale structure and humour. It's almost like characters don't talk to each other, but exchange tweets to decide who's wittier.

[RhJones]

It’s strange if I watch other cartoons including Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck from the same era, they feel old fashioned, mostly worth watching for the history, but with the Looney Tunes or Tom and Jerry they’re funny and enjoyable for their own sake.

[RafaelNelvam]

Chuck Jones was the first name of a media "maker" that I memorized as a kid. I didn't know what a director, or a producer or an animator was - but I knew that every cartoon that started with "Directed by Chuck Jones" was going to be great

[purpleraindrip]

I think the thing that blew my mind the most about this video was the part about reading. You know reading is important when literally one of the greatest artists of their craft says you won’t get better by just watching film you need to read a book. So inspiring.

[danbull]

I'm on a mission to watch every Looney Tunes cartoon ever produced and this video has given me more of an insight into them as I watch them. Thank you :)

[charliepea]

Seems like he's the reason why I watch Looney Tunes as a kid, especially Road Runner and Coyote (my favourites). Their gags are genuinely funny and just knowing that in order to make a good slapstick comedy you have to study the elements of life just makes his works true masterpieces. No wonder the franchise never gets old.

[haha-kmdu]

"To avoid this problem, Jones did something. This is one of the defining aspects of his work. It's a word that he uses and that other people use about him..."
"MEEP MEEP!"

I don't think it was intentional, but that timing was hilarious XD

[xoxocarl]

Bro the music behind Looney Tunes is so good, it really helps make the show.

[afifmaulana]

And this is perfected by Mel Blanc's voiceover talent. That's why Looney Tunes is enjoy to watch time to time.

[ckenshin]

When you have Steven Spielberg say your work is the best in the business you know Chuck Jones was what was up.

[FilmmakerIQ]

We have always been huge proponents of the idea that you can find inspiration any place. 

Watching movies IS NOT enough to become a good filmmaker.

Thank you Tony for a wonderful video!

[frankmakes]

I found inspiration right here.  Thank you.

[joelapp]

I watched as a kid and I laughed. I got the jokes. But he never catered to me. He played classical music with the toons. He was often very subtle. Things people would never do today because they assume kids are not able to get the joke unless it’s idiotic. Chuck Jones was a certifiable genius. Better than any who have come along since.

[williamkoppos]

I remember when I was a kid, first time I saw the Sylvester and the martian, with the "meow". I almost choked to death laughing. Couldn't catch my breath.

[RatFacedJasper]

Really focusing on the face of Bugs in barber scene, got the biggest laugh from me of all the clips used.

[ahmarsaeed]

This just reminded me of how great Looney Tunes was!

[bloobloobleebloop]

both chuck jones and hayao miyazaki, renowned masters of their craft, have stressed the importance of cartoonists studying real life humans. for the sake of animation's future, i hope that more artists will take this advice instead of just continuing to mimic other cartoons/anime/movies etc, saturating the market with tropes and cliches. draw from life! experience life! it's the only way to make something new.

[Vishakha._.]

I can't be the only one who loved Chuck Jones' work in the Tom & Jerry cartoons. His era was one of my favs!

[pinkywinky]

I’ve always said this when I was a kid:
Bugs Bunny >>>> Mickey Mouse