Animation Observation 01 - contrast in movements

To be a good animator you have to do your research and observation. And this is where youtube really comes in handy.

Lately I've been checking out old Dick Van Dyke clips and am amazed at his physical control and slapstick humor. Check out this clip for some really amazing work. Talk about contrasted movements! It doesn't get more contrasted than this.

What is particularly interesting to me is how Dick uses his body to get from one extreme to the next... its got an amazing flow to it, and the arcs in the hands and overlap in the spine/head really make it hilarious, and magical.