Chameleon (1984)
A seven-minute Canadian animated allegory from the NFB, confronting fear, conformity, and the silent tragedy of a life unlived.
Chameleon - Movie Information
- Original Title: Chameleon
- Release Year: 1984
- Directed by: Stefan Anastasiu
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation
- Runtime: 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: No Language
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1984 (Canada)
- Production Companies: ONF | NFB
- Production Countries: Canada
Chameleon - Plot
An animated allegory densely packed with fast-moving images, this film is about fear. A dissenter masks his true colours. Chameleon-like, he blends in with his surroundings. Because he lacks the courage to act on his beliefs, he cheats himself and others. He dies as he has lived, unnoticed.
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Chameleon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Stefan Anastasiu
Producers
- Yves Leduc
Chameleon - FAQs
What is Chameleon (1984) about?
Chameleon is a seven-minute Canadian animated allegory about fear and conformity. It follows a dissenter who masks his true identity, blending into his surroundings rather than acting on his convictions. His inability to show courage ultimately costs him his sense of self, and he dies unnoticed, as he lived.
Who directed the 1984 animated short Chameleon?
Chameleon was directed by Stefan Anastasiu and produced under the banner of the National Film Board of Canada (ONF | NFB). The film was released in Canada in January 1984 and stands as a compact, visually dense work of animated storytelling.
How long is the animated short Chameleon?
Chameleon has a runtime of just 7 minutes, making it a concise short film. Despite its brief duration, it packs a dense sequence of fast-moving images into a layered allegorical narrative about fear, identity, and the consequences of self-suppression.
Where was Chameleon (1984) produced?
Chameleon was produced in Canada by ONF | NFB, the National Film Board of Canada. The NFB has a long tradition of producing acclaimed animated short films, and Chameleon fits within that legacy as a thoughtful, allegorical work from the early 1980s.
Where can you watch Chameleon (1984)?
Streaming availability for Chameleon (1984) varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any streaming platforms or digital rental services carrying this NFB short film, by visiting JustWatch, which tracks up-to-date availability across multiple platforms in your area.
What themes does Chameleon (1984) explore?
The film explores fear, conformity, moral cowardice, and identity. Its central figure is a dissenter who lacks the courage to live by his beliefs, instead blending invisibly into his environment. The allegory suggests that suppressing one's true self is a form of self-betrayal with irreversible consequences.
What genre is the 1984 film Chameleon?
Chameleon belongs to the Animation genre. More specifically, it is an animated short film in the tradition of allegorical storytelling, using rapid, densely layered visuals to convey its thematic message rather than relying on conventional narrative dialogue or character development.
Who produced Chameleon (1984)?
Chameleon was produced by Yves Leduc under the National Film Board of Canada (ONF | NFB). The NFB is a Canadian public institution renowned for supporting innovative and socially engaged filmmaking, particularly in the realm of animated and documentary short films.
More About Chameleon
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