An experimental stop-motion film set in a world of monsters, mad scientists, and war pigs, Mad God, which can be described as the Quay Brothers meet Terry Gilliam, was conceived and directed by legendary visual effects and stop-motion craftsman Phil Tippett (whose combined credits include, among others, Apocalypse Now, StarWars, RoboCop).  

All of the sets, creatures, and environments were handcrafted over the course of three decades, as we follow The Assassin, an iron-clad humanoid, through a forbidding world of tortured souls, decrepit bunkers, and wretched monstrosities forged from the most primordial horrors of the subconscious mind. In 1987, Tippett embarked upon this ambitious personal project, fabricating and animating a darkly surreal world in which the creatures and nightmares of his imagination could roam free. He produced dozens of environments and hundreds of puppets for the project, filling notebook after notebook with thousands of detailed sketches and storyboards. But success got in the way and Tippett put the project into hibernation… until now. 35 years later, the dedication of Tippett and his team, have finally brought this project to completion, a macabre masterpiece, made with a heart that is bursting with love for the craft, while at other times it is punctured and bleeding with pride. 

Mad God has been met with awe and admiration, hailed as a monumental achievement in stop-motion animation. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its nightmarish beauty and the sheer dedication it represents—an ambitious labor of love that took over three decades to bring to life. Phil Tippett’s unwavering commitment to his craft is evident in every meticulously crafted frame, and the film’s dark, surreal narrative has captivated those who appreciate the artistry and patience required to create such a unique work.  

By showcasing Mad God as a part of our “Outside the Lines” series, we honor the legacy of a master craftsman and invite our audience to explore a cinematic experience unlike any other—a journey into the depths of the subconscious that challenges conventional storytelling and redefines what animation can be.