Animation is a big part of today's film industry: what would society do with their kids without it? Also, around 20% of the top 50 highest grossing films are animated. Think of your childhood- imagine it without Disney. Animation has had a huge effect on the childhood of many people as well as the way people see movies.
A lot of the film effects in live action movies are done via CGI or other animation techniques like stop motion. It has saved filmmakers a lot of money and time and allowed for more complex, extensive, and realistic movie effects. There's no Hulk, Rocket Raccoon, or Smaug without animation. Animation also makes video games possible, as well as many commercials and some musical videos.
The most profound effect animation has had on society is in culture. With characters like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, Homer Simpson, and others being household names and instantly recognizable faces, there's no denying how well-known some animated characters and productions have become.
As mentioned before, animation, especially Disney, has influenced the way society raises their kids and how they themselves were raised. Instead of being constantly watched by their parents, kids can now just watch programming designed especially for them, and unlike before, they have more than one or two choices as to what to watch. This also applies to movies: as hinted at beforehand, animated movies/family movies are among the highest-grossing films of all time. They also have their own awards, the Annie's, and awards within the Oscars. And, as much as some people would like to deny it, there is something enchanting and just plain fun about animated movies. When I recently went to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, it wasn't the actual movie that got the most response from the audience- it was the trailer for Zootopia, Disney's soon-to-be released animated feature.
In conclusion, animation has effected the way society sees movies, the way children are raised, and the technology behind movie effects and games.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Disability/Prosthetics in Animation
Characters that have either a physical or mental disability or a missing appendage are far and in-between, being even rarer in the animated format, particularly those with a mental disability or a physical disability that isn't a missing limb. There are many more who have a missing limb, and with a complex and compelling prosthetic. The thing about these characters is that to find a character that is missing a limb and has a prosthetic, but that the missing limb isn't their defining characteristic. It's way too common to find a character where their only characterization is said missing appendage or, like beforehand, their disability.
Rarely does one find a movie or show where there is more than one character with a physical or mental disability. Therefore, there are two movie franchises that I would like to bring attention to- How to Train Your Dragon and Finding Nemo. The former revolves around helping a disabled dragon fly again, and is particularly moving for the obvious and intended parallel between Toothless's tail and Hiccup's leg. A similar parallel is explored between Hiccup and Drago in the second film- Hiccup uses kindness, and mutual respect to train dragons, and a touch of his hand: Drago is missing his arm. Drago uses forcefulness, fear, and tyranny to step on a dragon, training it to fear him: Hiccup is missing his leg. That second parallel is extremely subtle, but effective.
The latter, Finding Nemo, as aforementioned, includes a great representation of short-term memory loss with the character Dory. It also explores the relationship between Nemo and Gill through their shared disabled right fins, forming a tight and father-figure type bond between the young clownfish and battered moorish idol.
So while these characters are hard to find, they are compelling and memorable characters that try to not let their disability define them.
The prosthetic that a character with a missing limb uses vary widely, with varying levels of technical prowess and complexity. Since it's animation, the animators have free rein to do whatever they may please with the fake limb, whether that means doing tasks that today's technology can't do, or having the limb shapeshift. Heck, maybe the prosthetic won't even be a limb! Some animated characters, particularly within games, have weapons like swords or firearms in place of an actual 'limb'.
Perhaps the simplest fake appendage is the classic hook for a hand, popularized by Captain Hook (what a name) in Peter Pan. The most widely seen is probably a robotic arm, which is worn by many anime characters and cartoon characters. If that same character has another missing appendage or an eyepatch, you know that character has been through a lot. The most realistic, or probable, fake appendage(s), that I've seen is automail, from the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Handmade of high-quality steel and surgically grafted onto the patient, these fake limbs are controlled telepathically by a connection between the nerves of the patient and the wiring of the automail limb. Since this is technology that is just being explored into, it wouldn't be surprising if an automail like limb is engineered soon.
Easily the most complex fake limb I've seen in an animated context is Captain John Silver's arm from Treasure Planet. This limb is absolutely fascinating, with a Swiss army knife list of functions and appearances that trump even the most advanced of today's technology.
In terms of other disabilities, there are a number of blind animated characters or wheelchair-bound characters. Finding mentally disabled characters is more difficult, though. I can think of one major, well-known character that has a mental disability, and that is Dory, from Finding Nemo (see below).
Perhaps the simplest fake appendage is the classic hook for a hand, popularized by Captain Hook (what a name) in Peter Pan. The most widely seen is probably a robotic arm, which is worn by many anime characters and cartoon characters. If that same character has another missing appendage or an eyepatch, you know that character has been through a lot. The most realistic, or probable, fake appendage(s), that I've seen is automail, from the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Handmade of high-quality steel and surgically grafted onto the patient, these fake limbs are controlled telepathically by a connection between the nerves of the patient and the wiring of the automail limb. Since this is technology that is just being explored into, it wouldn't be surprising if an automail like limb is engineered soon.
Easily the most complex fake limb I've seen in an animated context is Captain John Silver's arm from Treasure Planet. This limb is absolutely fascinating, with a Swiss army knife list of functions and appearances that trump even the most advanced of today's technology.
In terms of other disabilities, there are a number of blind animated characters or wheelchair-bound characters. Finding mentally disabled characters is more difficult, though. I can think of one major, well-known character that has a mental disability, and that is Dory, from Finding Nemo (see below).
Rarely does one find a movie or show where there is more than one character with a physical or mental disability. Therefore, there are two movie franchises that I would like to bring attention to- How to Train Your Dragon and Finding Nemo. The former revolves around helping a disabled dragon fly again, and is particularly moving for the obvious and intended parallel between Toothless's tail and Hiccup's leg. A similar parallel is explored between Hiccup and Drago in the second film- Hiccup uses kindness, and mutual respect to train dragons, and a touch of his hand: Drago is missing his arm. Drago uses forcefulness, fear, and tyranny to step on a dragon, training it to fear him: Hiccup is missing his leg. That second parallel is extremely subtle, but effective.
The latter, Finding Nemo, as aforementioned, includes a great representation of short-term memory loss with the character Dory. It also explores the relationship between Nemo and Gill through their shared disabled right fins, forming a tight and father-figure type bond between the young clownfish and battered moorish idol.
So while these characters are hard to find, they are compelling and memorable characters that try to not let their disability define them.
The Annies
Every form of entertainment has a form of awards. The Tonys, Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, as well as other awards are prestigious and give creditability to the production. Animation has its own awards as well (I'm not talking about the animation subcategories in the Emmys and the Oscars), known as the Annies. Unlike the subcategories of the other, broader awards, which are often rigged- oftentimes there are only a few judges, and they don't always watch all the movies as well as only vote for the 'popular' titles, the Annies are sponsored, hosted, judged, nominated, and competed in by so-called 'animation gurus'- people who know the art form well, and are well-rehearsed in its judging. This year, the Annies will be on Saturday, February 6th. To learn more about the event/see the nominees, see the Annies website at annieawards.org.
Personally I find that the Annies are very fair- they take all films and shows into consideration and even have awards for animation in live action, commercials, and individual achievement. While there are often a couple films each year that steal the show, in my opinion, the films that win always deserve it.
Last year (I mean 2014- the awards mentioned throughout this article are for 2015 released movies), there were many notable animated movies that were released, including Big Hero 6, The Book of Life, The Lego Movie, and How To Train Your Dragon 2, to name a few, as well as many notable shows. As such the awards were varied, but still with a clear forerunner, How to Train Your Dragon 2. This year, I predict there will be much less variety and one film will win by a landslide- Inside Out. If one were to compare the animated movies that came out in 2015, they would find that there was one film that everyone liked, critics, fans, and audiences alike. That film was Inside Out. The Oscars agree with me- of all the animated movies nominated, Inside Out received the most overall nominations.
So that's my prediction for the film part- I believe Inside Out will receive the most awards. It's hard to tell what way the judges will sway in the individual achievement awards, but the shows are easier to predict.
In terms of the shows, recently, there has been a 'Renaissance' of sorts among animated tv shows, with Gravity Falls, Steven Universe, Bob's Burgers, and Star vs the Forces of Evil. This may be bias talking (in fact, it most likely is :), but I think that Gravity Falls will lead the pack. Although, a bias has to have a root- one that is based in a show that has reached its prime in 2015 with good critical and audience ratings and a strong, dedicated fan base (me!!!). Therefore, I believe that Gravity Falls will reign over the awards for tv.
In conclusion, I believe that Gravity Falls and Inside Out will win the most awards. The Annies are usually fair, animation-only awards.
Personally I find that the Annies are very fair- they take all films and shows into consideration and even have awards for animation in live action, commercials, and individual achievement. While there are often a couple films each year that steal the show, in my opinion, the films that win always deserve it.
Last year (I mean 2014- the awards mentioned throughout this article are for 2015 released movies), there were many notable animated movies that were released, including Big Hero 6, The Book of Life, The Lego Movie, and How To Train Your Dragon 2, to name a few, as well as many notable shows. As such the awards were varied, but still with a clear forerunner, How to Train Your Dragon 2. This year, I predict there will be much less variety and one film will win by a landslide- Inside Out. If one were to compare the animated movies that came out in 2015, they would find that there was one film that everyone liked, critics, fans, and audiences alike. That film was Inside Out. The Oscars agree with me- of all the animated movies nominated, Inside Out received the most overall nominations.
So that's my prediction for the film part- I believe Inside Out will receive the most awards. It's hard to tell what way the judges will sway in the individual achievement awards, but the shows are easier to predict.
In terms of the shows, recently, there has been a 'Renaissance' of sorts among animated tv shows, with Gravity Falls, Steven Universe, Bob's Burgers, and Star vs the Forces of Evil. This may be bias talking (in fact, it most likely is :), but I think that Gravity Falls will lead the pack. Although, a bias has to have a root- one that is based in a show that has reached its prime in 2015 with good critical and audience ratings and a strong, dedicated fan base (me!!!). Therefore, I believe that Gravity Falls will reign over the awards for tv.
In conclusion, I believe that Gravity Falls and Inside Out will win the most awards. The Annies are usually fair, animation-only awards.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Dub vs Sub
When a English-speaker wants to watch anime, which is in Japanese, they often must make a decision; do they want to watch it with English voice-overs, known as dubbed, or subbed, where the original Japanese voices are kept and there are English subtitles?
For some people, affectionately called 'sub-purists', subbed is the only way they will watch anime; they consider the other way to not be 'pure', often criticizing the English actors' voices. They prefer the originally intended voices for the characters. On the flip side, there are some who will only watch anime if it is dubbed. Most people who like dub better prefer it because they can understand it better and because it feels less like anime.
If I were to pick just one way to watch anime, I would probably pick dubbed. I know that a lot of anime lovers don't agree with me, but I prefer paying attention to the action and animation, not the subtitles. I find the subtitles slightly distracting, and at times it is hard to keep the voices straight. Also, I feel that I can connect with the characters better if they are speaking my native language.
However, I would recommend, as would most, to pick dub or sub based on the anime. Some anime have amazing dubs, like Cowboy Bebop or anything from Funimation; in fact, for Cowboy Bebop, the dub is considered to be superior to the sub. Others have absolutely awful dubs. Also, not every anime has a dub. To determine what you personally like for each series, either look up which way people watch that series most frequently and why, or watch the first couple episodes both ways, then pick which one you like better.
For those of you that will only watch anime a certain way, try to expand your taste. Watch a series in the other method, just to try it out.
For some people, affectionately called 'sub-purists', subbed is the only way they will watch anime; they consider the other way to not be 'pure', often criticizing the English actors' voices. They prefer the originally intended voices for the characters. On the flip side, there are some who will only watch anime if it is dubbed. Most people who like dub better prefer it because they can understand it better and because it feels less like anime.
If I were to pick just one way to watch anime, I would probably pick dubbed. I know that a lot of anime lovers don't agree with me, but I prefer paying attention to the action and animation, not the subtitles. I find the subtitles slightly distracting, and at times it is hard to keep the voices straight. Also, I feel that I can connect with the characters better if they are speaking my native language.
However, I would recommend, as would most, to pick dub or sub based on the anime. Some anime have amazing dubs, like Cowboy Bebop or anything from Funimation; in fact, for Cowboy Bebop, the dub is considered to be superior to the sub. Others have absolutely awful dubs. Also, not every anime has a dub. To determine what you personally like for each series, either look up which way people watch that series most frequently and why, or watch the first couple episodes both ways, then pick which one you like better.
For those of you that will only watch anime a certain way, try to expand your taste. Watch a series in the other method, just to try it out.
Siblings in Animation
In popular entertainment, siblings are often portrayed as mortal enemies, or at the very least, they don't appear to love each other. This applies to animated movies and shows as well, particularly with cartoons. Every now or then, however, there are a set of animated siblings that are actually portrayed like real siblings; that is, they actually love each other no matter how much they annoy one another, and perhaps most importantly, they have the other's back when they are needed.
Here are the top three sets of animated siblings. These can be from cartoons, movies, anime, and basically any form of animation there is out there.
3. Edward and Alphnose Elric- the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
These two are inseparable. They have both been through hell and back, and while that would upset most relationships, it has just made theirs stronger. While Edward might be a little bossy, like most older siblings, there is no end to his love for his brother. The one thing is- while the franchise definitely shows that they have each other's back and that they love each other, the whole 'sibling rivalry' idea is almost nonexistent. Even siblings that get along great compete with each other, and the only time we see this happen in Fullmetal Alchemist is when Ed's height is discussed- and that competition is one-sided. So while their bond is one of the strongest on the list, their lack of discord puts them at number three.
2. Lilo and Nani- the Lilo & Stitch franchise
These sisters have the most realistic situation of any of this list's entries (excluding the aliens, of course). Lilo & Stitch explores what it's like to have an older sister raise their younger sister after they are orphaned. While Nani tries to act like a mother, she finds it difficult- the two are siblings, not parent and child. As such, Lilo responds to her like she would a sister- by driving her insane and fighting with her. Throughout the movie, we see both parts of their relationship; the competitive, annoying side, as well as the compassionate and close side. No matter how much one annoys the other, they always come back to each other. Yet, there is still one relationship that I believe trumps this one.
1. Dipper and Mabel Pines- Gravity Falls
I know you guys are probably sick of hearing about Gravity Falls (I can't help it- the show is amazing!), and that I've probably already talked about their relationship, but Dipper and Mabel have one of the most amazing and well-done sibling relationships (and I'm not talking about Pincest, you sickos). They drive each other nuts, treat everything like a competition, and make fun of each other. On the flip side, they hang out together, they stick together through thick and thin, and they have even saved each other's life. Alex Hirsch, the creator, has even stated that they have 'rules' about Dipper and Mabel, and the first and most important rule is that they actually like each other. All in all, these are the perfect pair of twins.
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hegox8IMr7o
Here are the top three sets of animated siblings. These can be from cartoons, movies, anime, and basically any form of animation there is out there.
3. Edward and Alphnose Elric- the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise
These two are inseparable. They have both been through hell and back, and while that would upset most relationships, it has just made theirs stronger. While Edward might be a little bossy, like most older siblings, there is no end to his love for his brother. The one thing is- while the franchise definitely shows that they have each other's back and that they love each other, the whole 'sibling rivalry' idea is almost nonexistent. Even siblings that get along great compete with each other, and the only time we see this happen in Fullmetal Alchemist is when Ed's height is discussed- and that competition is one-sided. So while their bond is one of the strongest on the list, their lack of discord puts them at number three.
2. Lilo and Nani- the Lilo & Stitch franchise
These sisters have the most realistic situation of any of this list's entries (excluding the aliens, of course). Lilo & Stitch explores what it's like to have an older sister raise their younger sister after they are orphaned. While Nani tries to act like a mother, she finds it difficult- the two are siblings, not parent and child. As such, Lilo responds to her like she would a sister- by driving her insane and fighting with her. Throughout the movie, we see both parts of their relationship; the competitive, annoying side, as well as the compassionate and close side. No matter how much one annoys the other, they always come back to each other. Yet, there is still one relationship that I believe trumps this one.
1. Dipper and Mabel Pines- Gravity Falls
I know you guys are probably sick of hearing about Gravity Falls (I can't help it- the show is amazing!), and that I've probably already talked about their relationship, but Dipper and Mabel have one of the most amazing and well-done sibling relationships (and I'm not talking about Pincest, you sickos). They drive each other nuts, treat everything like a competition, and make fun of each other. On the flip side, they hang out together, they stick together through thick and thin, and they have even saved each other's life. Alex Hirsch, the creator, has even stated that they have 'rules' about Dipper and Mabel, and the first and most important rule is that they actually like each other. All in all, these are the perfect pair of twins.
Short Films
Many animated films are released with a short film beforehand. Short films can also come from students studying animation, and sometimes the short films are released individually. According to the Oscars Academy Awards, in order to be considered a short film eligible for an award, the entire film, with credits included, can't exceed 40 minutes in length. Therefore, I will be using those standards, even if the film has not been nominated.
Easily the best-known source of short films is Pixar, with a short released before each of their movies, as well as many others that are released either as bonus features (these often include characters from the movies they are released with), on one of their short films DVDs, or individually. The majority of their short films are silent, with only sound effects and music. These are the most popular as well as the best they have to offer. In my opinion, the best of the best for Pixar short films would be "Lifted", "Presto", "For the Birds", "Knick Knack", or "Partly Cloudy" (I know that's a lot, but they're all amazing!). Those aforementioned shorts are good for many reasons. To start, they are either completely original and unique, or interesting twists on a preexisting idea. For example, "Lifted", "Partly Cloudy", and "Presto" all take well-known situations, events, or ideas: an alien abduction, storks carrying babies to mothers, and a rabbit being pulled out of a magician's hat respectively, and show it in a way we have never seen before. "For the Birds" and "Knick Knack" are entirely original ideas, featuring competition between birds sitting on a telephone wire and a snowman trying to break out of his snow globe for a hot girl. If there is anything I have to say about Pixar shorts, it's that 95% of the time, they are really, really funny. Also, the short film "Luxo, Jr." is particularly well-known; similarly to "Steamboat Willie" and Disney, "Luxo, Jr," serves as Pixar's logo.
Disney has also released some decent shorts of their own, especially two of their most recent ones, "Paperman" and "Feast". These two shorts are absolutely amazing, with both being nominated and winning the Academy Award for best animated short. They have stunning animation, a vector-based combination of 2D and 3D animation, that makes them unique and beautiful, as well as well-done soundtracks that are light-hearted, warm, and immersing. The plots are also simplistic, yet enchanting, with the first telling a simple love story through paper airplanes that is, in one word, magical, and the latter narrating the life of the relationship between a dog and his owner through food that is heartwarming and adorable.
To see "Paperman" http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xzt3vb_paperman_shortfilms
Of course, Disney was also responsible for one of the most memorable, influential, and milestone shorts of all time; "Steamboat Willie." Featured in their logo, this short was responsible for introducing the world to Mickey Mouse, and it was the first to include a full soundtrack.
Let's not forget the plethora of student short films. Students enrolled in animation courses often have to do an animation for final projects, and nearly every single one of them is posted on Youtube. These films display a great range in skill and acclaim, with some being animated beautifully and creative, and others being downright creepy and poorly done (nothing against the students, it's just my personal opinion). The video shown, "Oktapodi" is by a student in France, who actually got nominated for an Oscar for this film.
Also, other countries often have shorts that are very noteworthy, but I will touch on their animation more in a different post.
videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ARYCDna3E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBgghnQF6E4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=badHUNl2HXU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3057osZPdZI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FI9Gw58MdA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYfYtV_2ezs
Easily the best-known source of short films is Pixar, with a short released before each of their movies, as well as many others that are released either as bonus features (these often include characters from the movies they are released with), on one of their short films DVDs, or individually. The majority of their short films are silent, with only sound effects and music. These are the most popular as well as the best they have to offer. In my opinion, the best of the best for Pixar short films would be "Lifted", "Presto", "For the Birds", "Knick Knack", or "Partly Cloudy" (I know that's a lot, but they're all amazing!). Those aforementioned shorts are good for many reasons. To start, they are either completely original and unique, or interesting twists on a preexisting idea. For example, "Lifted", "Partly Cloudy", and "Presto" all take well-known situations, events, or ideas: an alien abduction, storks carrying babies to mothers, and a rabbit being pulled out of a magician's hat respectively, and show it in a way we have never seen before. "For the Birds" and "Knick Knack" are entirely original ideas, featuring competition between birds sitting on a telephone wire and a snowman trying to break out of his snow globe for a hot girl. If there is anything I have to say about Pixar shorts, it's that 95% of the time, they are really, really funny. Also, the short film "Luxo, Jr." is particularly well-known; similarly to "Steamboat Willie" and Disney, "Luxo, Jr," serves as Pixar's logo.
Disney has also released some decent shorts of their own, especially two of their most recent ones, "Paperman" and "Feast". These two shorts are absolutely amazing, with both being nominated and winning the Academy Award for best animated short. They have stunning animation, a vector-based combination of 2D and 3D animation, that makes them unique and beautiful, as well as well-done soundtracks that are light-hearted, warm, and immersing. The plots are also simplistic, yet enchanting, with the first telling a simple love story through paper airplanes that is, in one word, magical, and the latter narrating the life of the relationship between a dog and his owner through food that is heartwarming and adorable.
Of course, Disney was also responsible for one of the most memorable, influential, and milestone shorts of all time; "Steamboat Willie." Featured in their logo, this short was responsible for introducing the world to Mickey Mouse, and it was the first to include a full soundtrack.
Let's not forget the plethora of student short films. Students enrolled in animation courses often have to do an animation for final projects, and nearly every single one of them is posted on Youtube. These films display a great range in skill and acclaim, with some being animated beautifully and creative, and others being downright creepy and poorly done (nothing against the students, it's just my personal opinion). The video shown, "Oktapodi" is by a student in France, who actually got nominated for an Oscar for this film.
Also, other countries often have shorts that are very noteworthy, but I will touch on their animation more in a different post.
videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7ARYCDna3E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBgghnQF6E4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=badHUNl2HXU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3057osZPdZI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FI9Gw58MdA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYfYtV_2ezs
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