Boxed In

An old man sits in a bare room, reading Senility, a paper for the hazy minded. There is a knock on the door and a parcel is delivered. He opens the parcel with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. Inside is a mouse trap. Accompaning the mouse trap is a black, dead looking thing, which suddenly darts away. The old man's life will change forever. His bazy, hare room has been invaded. He is no longer alone.

Will Becher's animation is in the style of Nick Park and the Aardman Studio. He does not attempt a Wallace & Grommit pastiche, with Grommit playing the mouse. This is a truly original piece of work, with a clever use of sound effects and quick fades.

The observation of paranoia, as experienced by a man isolated by routine and aggravation, adds greatly to the sum of the humour. The denouement is beautifully choreographed, a combination of comic timing, surprise and inquisitiveness.