Welcome back to Movie Prairie’s series of articles on stop-motion animation! In this fourth installment, we delve into the enchanting world of Adam Elliot’s Ernie Biscuit. Known for his captivating storytelling and unique animation style, Elliot once again delivers a cinematic experience that is both whimsical and profound.
Be sure to check out my other stop-motion posts, including No Dogs or Italians Allowed, Harvie Krumpet, Mary and Max, and The Tower.
See the movie details below and watch the trailer for Ernie Biscuit on the movie page!
- Year of Release: 2015
- Production Studio: Melodrama Pictures
- Director: Adam Elliot
- Screenplay: Adam Elliot
- Length: 20 minutes
Where to Stream
Ernie Biscuit is currently available on youtube.
Ernie Biscuit: The Plot
Set against the backdrop of 1966 Paris, Ernie Biscuit follows the silent journey of Ernie, a deaf taxidermist in his 60s. In a rapidly changing world where his profession is deemed obsolete, Ernie embarks on a quest for love, purpose, and belonging. Through a series of whimsical encounters and emotional moments, Ernie’s story unfolds with quirky charm and heartfelt emotion.
The Adventures of Ernie
As the film opens, we are introduced to the peculiar world of Ernie Biscuit with an intriguing opening: a gargoyle’s eyeball falls out, setting the tone for the surreal journey ahead. From there, we follow the eyeball’s trajectory as it traverses through various peculiar situations, ultimately finding its way back to its rightful place.
A dead bird eventually makes its way to Ernie’s door. This is where we learn that Ernie is a taxidermist from a long line of taxidermists.
Ernie Biscuit became deaf as a result of an incident during his childhood. While at a summer camp, a bully threw a firecracker into the stall where Ernie was sitting. The explosion from the firecracker caused Ernie to lose his hearing permanently.
Love and Loss in Paris
In a flashback to the 1940s, we learn of Ernie’s past love, Nannet, a Jewish girl whom he met and dreamed of marrying in Venice. He envisioned spending his days with Nannet, in an Italian gondola, eating spaghetti.
Despite the challenges they faced, including deafness and societal prejudice, their connection remained strong, sustained by nightly Morse code conversations.
However, tragedy strikes when Nannet disappears, taken during the holocaust, leaving Ernie with only memories, a drawing of Venice, and his pet duck Edith, as reminders of their love.
A New Beginning in Venice... Australia?
Determined to start anew, Ernie sells his taxidermy store and embarks on a journey to Venice, only to end up in a small Australian town by mistake. The town looks run down with big insects. He spends his first night on the streets, as no hotel will let him in.
Here, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including the deceptive Tiny and the kind-hearted Angelina. Tiny gives Ernie some clothes and food, including Vegemite.
Ernie's Work as a Street Vendor
After moving to Venice, Australia, Ernie finds himself in a small town where he must adapt to survive. With his taxidermy skills no longer in demand, Ernie turns to drawing as a way to make a living.
He sets up as a street vendor, offering his artwork for $2 apiece. Ernie celebrates each small success with a beer, finding joy in the simple moments of his new life.
Meeting Angelina and Her Revelation
Ernie’s life takes a turn when he meets Angelina at a singles bar, arranged through newspaper ads. Angelina, a tall and graceful woman with long hair and round sunglasses, captures Ernie’s attention immediately.
Despite the initial silence between them, they find a unique way to communicate through Morse code. Angelina, who learned Morse code from her lighthouse keeper father, taps back to Ernie, creating an instant bond.
Angelina’s past is marked by loneliness and unfulfilled promises. She previously met an ice sculptor and planned to marry him, but he never showed up for the wedding, leaving her heartbroken.
Desperate for love, Angelina visited a clairvoyant who told her she had one chance at true love—a tall, handsome man who smelled like the sea. Ernie, with his unique cologne, matches the clairvoyant’s description.
In a funny moment, Ernie draws her a portrait in braille, and when Angelina kisses him, she realizes he is the one.
Betrayal and Redemption
Just as Ernie begins to find solace in his newfound home, betrayal rears its ugly head when he discovers Tiny’s true intentions- to butcher his beloved duck, Edith.
In a knife-throwing showdown, Ernie must confront his fears and protect his newfound family. Edith unfortunately loses a leg in the knife match, but manages to push Tiny into a meat grinder in an epic scene.
The Power of Silence and Connection
Throughout his journey, Ernie’s silence speaks volumes, serving as a reminder of the power of connection beyond words. From his Morse code conversations with Nannet to his silent bond with Angelina, Ernie’s story shows that we can build connection with others beyond the spoken word.
The Animation
Adam Elliot’s signature stop-motion animation style brings Ernie Biscuit to life with its intricate detail and fun-loving characters. Each frame is meticulously crafted, capturing the whimsy and melancholy of Ernie’s world.
Ernie's Appearance
Ernie Biscuit, the protagonist, is depicted as an elderly man in his 60s with a distinct appearance that reflects his weathered life and personality. He wears a slightly tattered and worn hat, which adds to his rustic charm. He is also wearing a bow tie or a tee-shirt with a bow tie image, that adds to his charm.
His most prominent facial feature is his large, round nose, which gives him a unique and memorable look. Ernie often sports a flower in his hat, a small detail that highlights his gentle and hopeful nature. His attire is typically modest and somewhat outdated, consistent with his old-fashioned profession as a taxidermist.
Angelina's Appearance
Angelina, Ernie’s love interest, is characterized by her elegant appearance. She is a tall woman who wears a coat over layered clothing.
Angelina wears dark and round sunglasses that not only conceal her eyes but also add an air of mystery to her character. Her long, black hair is beneath a stylish hat, giving her a classic and timeless look.
Angelina’s attire is simple but refined, often including dresses that fit her slender figure.
Themes in Ernie Biscuit
Be the Windscreen
Ernie Biscuit is a charming exploration of resilience and connection in the face of adversity. Through Ernie’s silent journey, the film touches on themes of loneliness, longing, and “speaking up” for yourself.
Throughout Ernie Biscuit, a recurring quote echoes as a guiding principle for the protagonist’s journey: “be the windscreen Ernie, and not the insect.” This simple yet profound mantra shows a central theme of resilience and agency in the face of adversity.
In Ernie’s world, filled with challenges and loneliness, this quote serves as a beacon of hope and motivation. It urges Ernie to confront the bullies and obstacles in his life, whether they be external or his own inner demons. By being the metaphorical windscreen, Ernie is encouraged to navigate through adversity with resilience and strength, rather than allowing himself to be crushed by it like an insect.
The significance of this mantra is heightened by Ernie’s traumatic past, particularly the loss of his friend Nanett during the Holocaust. Nanett’s message may have been the boost Ernie needed to find the courage to move forward despite the darkness of his past, which included struggling with alcoholism. It symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
In essence, “be the windscreen, not the insect” embodies the film’s overarching themes of resilience, courage, and the power to rise above adversity. It is a reminder to both Ernie and all of us of the strength that lies within.
My Take
I noticed that though the themes in this film were profound, they were also subtle, at least in my perspective. They were not overly noticeable or preachy, but came out in an authentic way. In addition, the different themes or meanings behind Ernie Biscuit can be up for interpretation, which is why I love Adam Elliot’s work so much. He wonderfully blends comedy with tragedy, which, if done correctly, is a great way to tell difficult stories.
My Favorite Scene
One of the most memorable scenes in Ernie Biscuit for me is when Ernie meets Angelina, a blind woman who shares his silent world. Their initial communication through Morse code taps and Angelina realizing that Ernie smells like the sea show’s, in its own peculiar way, the film’s themes of connection and acceptance.
Recommendation
Ernie Biscuit is a must-watch for fans of stop-motion animation and heartfelt storytelling. Its unique blend of whimsy and melancholy will leave you wanting to watch more.
Ernie Biscuit Conclusion
Already seen the movie? Do you have a favorite character? A favorite quote or message? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Be sure to check out my previous stop-motion posts, including Harvie Krumpet, Mary and Max, and The Tower.
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As a movie lover, especially classic 2D animation, I launched this blog as a guide to keep fellow enthusiasts updated on the latest news and information about films and shows. Through Movie Prairie, I strive to share my insights and recommendations, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of movies just as much as I do. Join me on this as we delve into the captivating world of film together.
