The forty second, 2011 TV advert "cats with thumbs" is an example of the kind of perfect miniature at which British film-making used-to excel.
For such a masterpiece, every element must be superb; and here it is.
The script must set the situation, develop it, and provide a pay-off/ punch-line - while maintaining deadpan seriousness; the narrator must have exact timing and intonation - and with Tim Curry doing the job that is all-but guaranteed; the actor is required to get the nuances of expression and movement just right (and be directed to do so).
The animation very good; and the contrast of surreal action with an everyday-normal mise en scene is just right.
And the whole must be edited to perfection of pacing and timing.
Consequently; this advert makes an immediate impact; but also rewards (indeed demands) re-watching; because you cannot possibly take in all that happens in one viewing.
Indeed; I needed to slow down to 50% speed, and freeze-frame to catch all the jokes.
The ad was very popular at the time, and seems to have spawned several meme images.
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