have always been fascinated by animated forms of entertainment. I can clearly remember watching endless streams of animation as a child. I remember being utterly fascinated by the small details and backgrounds while ignoring the action going on up front. It was like looking into another world where colors were cleaner, bolder, brighter, and life didn’t always have sharp edges that you could cut yourself on.
While I couldn’t say I take the field of animation as seriously as some aficionados out there, my love for the genre is genuine. So, in addition to the trivia on this topic I have already accumulated, I did a little research before leaping into this review. What is Animation? Well, a common definition runs something like…”The display of images which are slightly different in their placement, shape, size, lighting and so on which, when shown consecutively, give the illusion of motion.”
A motion picture is projected at 24 frames per second and in a two hour movie this would work out to 173, 000 frames, and you would need at least that same number of cels! Kind of makes you respect all those folks behind the scenes who put in so much work to make an animated film flow effortlessly before our admiring eyes, doesn’t it? Our next question becomes…What kinds of animation are there? Hmm, well without breaking it down into styles, like Anime which is wildly popular now-a-days, here are the different animation techniques that I have found.
1. Clay Animation or Claymation:
Using models made of clay or other malleable material. This technique has also been called Stop-Motion.
Examples: Wallace and Gromit, Mr. Bill, The Velveteen Rabbit
2. Puppet Animation (including Puppetoons developed by George Pal):
Using models made of wood or similar material. Unlike Stop Motion, the figures positions, expressions, etc are not moved infinitesimally between each frame. Instead the entire figure is replaced by the same figure in the desired new position!
Example: The most popularly known examples are probably the Rankin/Bass holiday productions like The Year Without a Santa Claus and Rudolph's Shiny New Year. Jack Frost is one of my favorite examples of this form of animation.
3. Rotoscoping or Direct-on-film Animation: Painting, etching, or otherwise altering a live action film frame by frame. Pixilation Animation: Animating live objects, usually people, by photographing them one frame at a time.
Example: The original animated Lord of the Rings is most likely the leading example of this type. There is also an excellent animated version of Watership Down that used this method. Oh and the BBC version of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe!
4. Cut Out Animation: Using paper figures with hinged limbs
Example: Hands down my favorite example.... the animated shorts from the Monty Python show. The only other examples that are springing to mind are shorts that were done on Seasame Street. I'd actually like to see more done with this style.
5. CGI Animation : The latest and rather widely known form, Computer generated images.
Examples: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Spiderman Trilogy, and the Harry Potter films are all prime examples.
6. Traditional Animation, for the lack of a better term, would be the technique that started it all and the form that most people probably still think of when you talk about animation. Each frame is a meticulously layered scene where all aspects have been done more or less by hand, the characters, background, foreground, objects, etc.
Examples: The Lion King, Peter Pan (Disney), and Spirited Away
From the time animation began in America in 1911, animated celebrities have been created and their images have endured long after their once popular cartoons have faded from popular memory. Ko-Ko the Clown, Betty Boop, and Felix the Cat were all born in the early days of animation and they can still be found today, in glorious color, on all types of products from cookie jars to clothing!
I don’t remember what channel aired these early animations when I was a child, but I consider myself fortunate to have been introduced to them at an early age. Betty Boop and Felix were probably my first heroes from the animated world and while their cartoons in shades from black to white may appear primitive in this age, they still hold an endless fascination for me and are obviously still a part of popular culture.
It wasn’t until 1924 that the world of animation merged with the man who would become famed the world over for his animated productions, Walt Disney. Walter Lantz (best known for Woody Woodpecker), Isidore “Friz” Freleng (co-founder of Looney Tunes), Fredrick “Tex” Avery (creator of Daffy Duck and with the help of two other notable animators, Bugs Bunny!) Max Fleischer (also known for Popeye, who was introduced in a Betty Boop cartoon!), Richard Williams (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), and Don Bluth have all had their impact upon the animated world, but it was Walt Disney who first moved into full-length films.
I have my qualms about Disney as an individual, as well as being severely disappointed in the hypocrisy, prejudice, gross commercialism, and insensitivity perpetually generated by the Disney Corporation. However, I will be the first to admit that they have also created some of the finest animated films ever and that the world of animation would not be what it is today without Disney. It is also extremely important that we adults remember that just because something is animated, doesn't mean that it is automatically appropriate for kids! The films I'll be sharing here are all family safe, feature length works. After loading you down with all this information, you are probably wondering if I will ever get around to telling you what my Top Ten favorite animated films are! Well, now that I feel I have shared a healthy dose of information on one of my life-long passions, I’ll retire politely and hand over that list…in no particular order of course. ~grin~
IRON GIANT:
A single mom tries to raise her only son, Hogarth, (poor kid) during the 50's and is the last to find out that he's made friends with a giant robot from outerspace. The armed military response should have tipped her off. The Iron Giant eats metal, has amnesia and very little understanding of how people like us socialize, but he and Hogarth discover that friendship needs no common denominator.
I adore this film. The dialogue is engaging despite the fact that it was intended for children, which is rare. The dinner prayer that Hogarth improvises while trying to hide pieces of his robot friend is Hysterical! The animation is appealing and the characters feel like they've always been friends.
THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF WALLACE AND GROMIT:
Nick Park, who helped to create Chicken Run, is truly an amazing and talented artist. This three volume set of claymation shorts is by far my favorite of his works to date, and they preceed Chicken Run which got more notice, but pales in comparison. Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, and A Close Shave are the titles included in this set and if you have never seen any of them, I seriously suggest you just go out and buy them! All three are marvelous and entertaining works. The animation is amazing, unique, and very pleasing, and the humor in all three has a universal appeal to young or old of any origin.
Each tape contains a story from the adventures of Wallace, an eccentric inventor/cheese enthusiast/part-time window washer, and Gromit, his faithful canine companion who does it all from flying airplanes and rewiring robots to fixing breakfast and fetching Wallace’s slippers. I had really looked forward to seeing the full-length film, Wallace and Gromit and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, featuring these two. I've been waiting for this since I first watched The Wrong Trousers short! While the film is Excellent, I just couldn't put it before the three animated shorts that introduced me to two of the most beloved animations since my childhood. You didn't expect me to stick to my own rules, did you?
EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE:
What can I say? I adore this film. The animation is flawless, the style is both appealing and quite a new edge in animated films, and the humor still continues to tickle my ribs despite the endless times the kids have put it in the VCR. I love the way they used rapid changes in perspective, music by Sting, and the small touches that call to mind the South American cultures from which the story originated. All of which were well done without bludgeoning the viewer.
This is the (fictional) tale of Emperor Kuzco, a spoiled, selfish, and heartless young ruler who is accidentally transformed into a llama by his advisor, Yzma, and her dull-witted assistant, Kronk, in an attempt to take over the kingdom. “A llama! But he’s supposed to be Dead!” Yzma shrieks. “Yeah, I know. Weird, huh?” is Kronk’s reply. With the help of an honest peasant, Pacha, Kuzco regains his throne and learns some good lessons along the way.
I love a story that has something worthwhile underneath the glitz. I had begun to think that Disney simply wasn’t capable of that anymore. I couldn’t be happier that this film proved me wrong. I especially enjoyed the veiled poke at parent’s who give their children absolutely everything they could desire, yet teach them nothing about appreciation of the finer things in life, or respect for someone other than themselves!
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:
What do I enjoy more than animation? Books, especially fairy and folk tales the way they were told before being watered down by prudish Victorian editors! I’ll admit that the tale of Beauty and the Beast was never one of my particular favorites, but I believe that this film actually improves on the old tale, which makes it an automatic Top Ten for me! Of course, the animation is superb too and there are some lovely morals strongly presented. That certainly didn’t hurt!
Our beauty, Belle, wants more than a “provincial” life. She trades her own freedom to the terrifying Beast in exchange for the release of her beloved inventor father, but I don’t think that was exactly the ‘something more’ she had been looking for! The Beast is, of course, a Prince. He was transformed by an angry fairy for his selfish ways and judging others by appearances. He has only a short time left to mend his ways and find true love before the spell becomes permanent. Gaston, the most popular and handsomest man in the village, is determined to have Belle for his wife, and is quite willing to lead the townsfolk into destroying the Beast and all his people out of shear jealousy and spite.
NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
Tim Burton’s controversial stop-motion film is truly a lovely, if rather dark, vision. The Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, is the leader in land of Halloween. Not content with his lot in life, Jack accidentally stumbles into the land of Christmas and is so enthralled with what he finds there, that he is inspired to take over Christmas and ‘improve’ it. The results are not what he had hoped for! Sally, his undead love interest, helps to save Christmas and bring peace to Jack himself.
This is definitely the Addams Family of Christmas tales. It’s dark and just, well, crawling with somewhat distasteful things like the macabre inhabitants of Halloween land and the bizarre gifts they delight in giving. The animation is breathtaking though and the music is stunning. I’ve long delighted in the black comedy offered up by the Addams Family, so this is right up my alley. I look forward to his newest animated work, The Corpse Bride.
YELLOW SUBMARINE:
In stark contrast to Nightmare Before Christmas, the animated film, Yellow Submarine, is all bright colors and feel-good sentiments. Magical Pepperland, which lies just beyond the Sea of Holes, is under attack from the Blue Meanies who want an end to all goodness and music! The Fab Four are gathered by Fred, and brought to Pepperland in the yellow submarine in the hopes that they can stop the Meanies. Filled to the brim with shimmering, vibrant displays and timeless Beatles tunes, this is an outstanding film. I have seen Yellow Submarine captivate an entire roomful of eight year olds, as well as adults! What better recommendation could you want?
ALADDIN:
Having read 1001 Arabian Tales, the collected stories of Scheherazade, I could easily resent the bounty of artistic license that Disney took with this film. Somehow though, I just don’t. Beautiful animation, loads of good humor, and some lovely songs managed to hold my bristling at bay quite well!
Aladdin is just another street rat until evil vizier, Jafar, needs him to fetch a magical lamp from an enchanted cave. Betrayed, Aladdin manages to make off with the lamp and gain the friendship of the genie who is bound to it, as well as the right to three wishes! However, the one thing Aladdin wishes for is beyond even the powers of Genie to deliver, the love of Princess Jasmine. The real trouble starts when Jafar finally gets his hands on that lamp!
MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH:
I believe that this was the very first film to ever inspire into looking up the book that it was based on. That alone should be enough to nominate any animated film! This is also the first Don Bluth film that I ever remember seeing, who is one of the very few to attempt challenging Disney in the field of animated films. Bluth has been far from successful in most of his attempts, but the Rats of NIMH is a classic that simply shouldn’t be missed. I nearly went with The Iron Giant in this slot, which is definitely a better quality film overall, but I have loved Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh for far longer, so in the end I chose with my heart. Touching, suspenseful, and thought provoking, this film is an old favorite.
Mrs. Frisby is a widowed field mouse with plenty of hungry mouths to feed. Her youngest child falls ill with pneumonia and can’t escape from their winter home before the farmer starts plowing. Mrs. Frisby turns to a mysterious society known as the Rats of NIMH for aid. What are the origins of these strangely intelligent rodents and can they devise a way to save young Timothy? What will they ask of Mrs. Frisby in exchange?
TOY STORY:
This is the first full-length film done completely with CGI and it is an amazingly life-like work of animation. The shifting leaves of trees cast their shadows upon the ground, and roads look just as gritty, unclean, and manmade as they do in real life! Tons of great humor and a solid story line helped to make this the ground-breaking film it is. Surprisingly, the sequel was just as good as the original!
A young boy’s toys come to life when no one is around, and his favorite, Cowboy Woody, is their leader, of course. Woody has a hard time dealing with his hurt and jealousy when a new toy takes the spotlight in his boy’s eyes. Spaceranger Buzz Lightyear doesn’t even believe that he, or anyone else inhabiting Andy’s room, are toys! Their quarreling gets them lost in the big world. They will both have to face facts and solve their differences if they hope to make it home.
WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT:
This film is an amazing blend of live action and animation that simply has to be seen to be believed. You’ll watch it over again and again out of sheer delight! Released in 1988, this was a revolutionary work for the world of animation and the effects still hold up under scrutiny! Fast paced, hilarious, and highly entertaining, this is a mad romp through the world of cartoons. You’ll see all of the greats from the history of animation (Betty Boop, Popeye, Donald and Daffy Duck, etc), as well as some memorable newcomers!
It’s 1947 and someone in Hollywood is out to destroy Toontown, the magical madcap section of town where all the ‘Toons live when they aren’t filming. Toontown’s benefactor has been murdered and the finger is pointed at Roger Rabbit. Roger is a ‘Toon star who has seen brighter days, but he’s a chipper fellow. Who wouldn’t be with a wife like Jessica “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” Rabbit? ! With the help of an embittered human private eye, Eddie Valiant, Roger hopes to clear his name and uncover the dastardly villain along with his diabolical plot…
Honorary Mentions: Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle are absolutely astounding pieces of animated fantasy that should be seen by anyone who loves this genre. Were I to replace one of my top ten with any of the Honorable Mentions, I don't think I could choose between either of these films any way! The Shrek films also just missed this list. Marvelously entertaining for children and cynical adults alike. In the end I found that I couldn't bump any of my favorite traditionally animated films though, no matter how fond I am of these additional works.
I wish I could include Titan A.E., as the animation is truly gorgeous, but I had major issues with the writing. After all, a truly great animated film isn’t just about the animation! There are other Disney creations that I will always hold a fondness for, but those mentioned here are my favorites. Well, I hope I haven’t bored you too much with all of my expounding, but I hope even more that I have shared with you a world of possibilities that has enthralled me for years…Animation.
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Comments: 16
Does anyone remember an animated series on MTV's Liquid Television in the '80's called "The Maxx"? The animation on this was spectacular for its time and the storyline was compelling as well. Right now, Futurerama is/was the best animated series, in terms of techinical skills, on TV.
As far as really old school, you can't been Astroboy and Gigantor! I record Gigantor on DVR off of Cartoon Newtowrk, I just heard they're bringing Astroboy back!
Sorry, got all excited, I meant "beat"!
Memories ~ Grace Among Thieves
Memories ~ The Goof 1
Have you seen the Triplets of Belleville - not for kids animation - not raunchy, it's just that the main characters are old ladies. Kids just wouldn't care.
I also love Monsters Inc., and Christmas isn't Christmas unless I've seen Rudolph.
I love all kinds of animation. My husband wonders if I'll ever grow up. Not likely!
Elated to see mentioned in the article/discussion:
1. The Maxx - Not great animation, as far as fluidity and movement are concerned, but the imagery and still frames are the kind of edgy and radiant images one should expect for an "adult cartoon"
2. Tripletts of Bellville - Not very well known, but esoteric as hell! i loved it
3. Emperor's New Groove - Not groundbreaking animation, but HIGHLY entertaining with a unique style (especially for a Disney flick)
4. Iron Giant - This movie is NOT a kid's movie, although appropriate and appealing to children, the subject matter and animation are extremely mature.
5. Nightmare Before Christmas - Burton's best work next to Batman (*my opinion and I do love Eddy Skizz)
6. Princess Mononoke - Gotta give it up for the Japanese! For it's time, the most innovated displays of animation
Disappointed not to see (and conversely recommend to anyone intereseted in animation):
1. anything by Ralph Bakshi! Brilliant animator
2.Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (Knockin on Heaven's Door) - Action packed and beautifully animated, not to mention that it would stand up as a live action film.
3. Jin-Roh: The Wolf-Brigade - you just have to see it
4. Akira - Any self-respecting anime fans holds this film high in his/her list
5. The Lion King!! - I don't know if this is solely an opinion but this is still the best animation of any American Disney movie to date. And the story, characters and soundtrack are all fantastic as well, although, I never really liked Pumba.
I know, I know... Due to inflation my two cents are worth less than dog snot, but there they are
wishing you laughter
i loved, in beauty and the beast, how REAL the ballroom looked. you know?
..
U