Way back in 1908, (We did the math for you: 118 years ago) a frenchman by the name of Émile Cohl created what is widely considered to be the first animated film, Fantasmgorie. Through its one minute and seventeen second length, the film tells the tale of a stick figure protagonist who goes through a series of scenes and situations. Upon hearing the film features a stick figure, you might be inclined to assume that not much happens, or that the action comes off more experimental than polished product, but that really isn’t the case.
Cohl manages to instill plenty of, well, character is in character, as well as a surprisingly fast pace, and ingenious transitions between scenes and situations. Cohl also shows his hands in life action bringing the character to life.
Check it out: