CMT - James and the Giant Peach

Films often portray worlds like our own. Those worlds have similar settings, and they may have similar rules. As a result they're easy to understand, but they're subject to boundaries which limit their narrative options.

Generally, stories try to suspend our disbelief. If they're successful, we feel the drama and find ourselves engrossed. It's a tried and true way to entertain, but there's always more than one method. Fairy tales evoke a childlike amazement, to the stories that we disbelieve.


Classic Movie Trailers - James and the Giant Peach (1996)


Magic is tough for me to wrap my brain around. As a viewer I can take it as it comes, but I'm an author as well and I've had some trouble with it. If there was a way to firmly define it, I would find it more interesting. If there were concrete limits and weaknesses to know, my scientific brain would be content.

I realize that line of thinking may be missing the point. What good is the device if we cripple and restrain it? Why turn fantasy into hard science fiction? It's there to break the rules, not to be subject to them.

Alice swallowed a potion and shrunk to the size of a mouse. Then she ate a cake and grew into a giant. Did you ever wonder about the logic of Wonderland? Maybe you've tried to find some sort of reason in that madness. I doubt it exists but if it does, knowing it might ruin the fun.

I caught myself watching this film and being confused, by things I shouldn't be thinking about. I wanted to know how a flock of birds could carry a peach the size of a house. It didn't make any sense, but in the moment I failed to realize that none of it did. It took a long while, for me to finally stop expecting some logic.

I think I need to sit down with Dr. Seuss, and unlearn some ingrained habits. I'm far removed from my childhood, and I've gained wisdom with the loss of something else. My imagination is strong as ever, but it's inside a brain that wants to peak behind the curtain and expose the trick, in the magician's chest. I wonder if the Doctor will prescribe green eggs and ham.

When it comes down to it, sometimes you have to check your reasoning at the door. If we are even to enjoy musicals, critical thinking is an archenemy. People don't stop often and burst into song. When that actually does happen, they won't be singing such situational lyrics.

So if I've learned anything from "James and the Giant Peach", I've learned that you can lose your sense of wonder. I'd like to think that you can retrieve it, with constant practice and determination. What comes naturally to kids can be a trial for adults. We know knowledge will set us free, but ignorance is still bliss; it's nonsensical, but somehow it's true.



Trailer Here.


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@ChannelSeals


See "James and the Giant Peach" on Netflix!

Next Week: The start of a New Year and a New Double Feature! We start with Disney's "Robin Hood", followed by Kevin Costner in "Robin Hood".  

CMT - The Nightmare Before Christmas

Films are a feast for the eyes, and as silly as it sounds, they need a balanced diet. People like variance in entertainment. If everything looks the same, everything gets boring. That isn't to say that there's anything wrong with following the herd, but when a style is dominant for a decade, it might be time to take risks.

I wonder if animation is at that point. If it's not, I wonder how much longer it will be. Technology produces wonderful artwork, but it hides the hand, which is just as talented. There is something to be said about craft, and when it's mastered, you see what you've been missing.


Classic Movie Trailers - The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)


Recently, I saw an ad for the new "Peanuts" movie. I'm sure it's great and I've heard good things, but I can't bring myself to go and see it. I'm not one of those possessive fans, and I don't believe that they're ruining the property. It's just the context of the situation, and the loss of a style that may never return.

"Hercules" and "Tarzan" are historical pieces. It's "Frozen" now, in an "Ice Age" led by Disney/Pixar. Hand painted cells are dying off. If television follows film, they'll be nearly extinct.

It's happening subtly, and very slowly. Reruns are not being aired anymore and quality productions are shutting down fast. Shows like "Batman: The Brave and the Bold", would have had longevity ten years ago. Today, with Hollywood setting the precedent, viewers have adapted and changed their expectations.

I'm not pining for the return of VHS, and I don't want 8-track tapes back in stores. The dwindling 2D art style is not obsolete, and the prominent art style is not superior. What we're experiencing is a result, of an uncontested reign of traditional animation. There was too much of it for way too long, so the pendulum swung too far the other way.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" shouldn't have been the exception, to a rule that started with "Steamboat Willie" in 1928. They should have produced a lot more of the same, and created more of a balance, that wouldn't have been so daunting. "Muppets" and "Sesame Street" should have blazed the way, for puppetry to play a much bigger role. We never cried for more because we didn't know the costs. The sun is setting fast and night is bringing tragedy.

It's painfully ironic to note that this film is still fresh. It provides the same relief today, that it gave to us over twenty years ago. Personally, I'll wait as long as it takes, for another stop motion marvel, to bring me back to theatres. It's beautiful and distinct and something tech can't match. The hand of CGI leaves prints, and I'm ready for a different pattern.

They're all valuable techniques, and at the end of the day, I wouldn't want a single one to go away. Even silent films have a charm that's their own, and we're poorer for their loss; we're certainly not richer. If black and white films endured past Technicolor, we would have been left with a more colorful history. Please know that we speak with wallets and views; if we don't change our tune it's going to be too late.

Do yourself a favor and go watch "Ninja Scroll". Put the kids to bed first, and then follow it with "Akira". If Japan could make those masterpieces years ago, imagine what Hollywood could do with that style today. If you find that you're still tired of drawing and painting, try sculpture, instead of going back to the same feed. "Toy Story" might provide nostalgia, but that doesn't mean you should pass on "Wallace and Gromit".



Trailer Here.


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@ChannelSeals


See "The Nightmare Before Christmas" on Netflix (Please)!

Next week Monday: "James and the Giant Peach" 

Merry Christmas  / Happy Hanukkah/ Enjoy Kwanza/ Happy Holidays!

-B.A.S.

CMT - Hercules ('97)

For many people, Disney's “Hercules” is the definitive version of the character. They may be wholly unaware, that the film's narrative strays far from established mythology. It is commonplace, for changes to be made in an adaptation to theaters. By now it should be expected, but rarely is it explained.

Movies are subject to strict time constraints, and a loose interpretation of the source material, alleviates some of the burden. However, a great number of liberties are taken by productions and they all can't be so easily categorized. Ultimately, the story is subject to the whims of the storyteller, and that person has their own motivations. The reasons may not be immediately clear, but it's helpful to remember that a tale is for its audience.

Classic Movie Trailers – Hercules (1997)

Hercules was born to Zeus and Alcmene, a mortal woman of great beauty. She was deceived by the god, who laid with her in the guise of her husband. The child was, by nature, a half-breed. He was also a living reminder of Zeus's infidelity.

Hera sent the snakes, to the infant's crib. She hated Hercules, from the moment he was conceived. It was Hera, the wife of Zeus who schemed and plotted against him. Her rage afflicted him with madness, and he killed Megara, along with their children.

So there's nothing family-friendly about those myths. Changes were going to be made, but the decisions are interesting. One of the most telling choices, is the depiction of Hades. The god of the Greek underworld is not Satan's analogue, but here they are synonymous.

In both manner and deed, the Hades of this film is unmistakably evil. Gone is his firm, fair and just hand, in favor of a fiery persona. The Devil is instantly recognizable, and his presence is easy to understand. For a modern, moviegoing audience, that isn't well versed in history, a predominant figure is a considerable comfort.

This entire take on Hercules, was possibly meant to make him more relatable. Instead of a man, that is born simply better than the masses, we're given a god that is humbled to walk as a man. He earns his name as a hero, and he strives to achieve greatness. In the end however, he abandons that goal to settle down and love.

I haven't met a person that would turn down immortality for marriage and death. It is pretty silly, when you sit and think about it, but our heroes are supposed to be those that we aspire to. That sort of resolution also casts mortality, in a more favorable light. If Hercules can choose the fate so easily, it must not be that bad.

It's a feel good movie, with a predictable ending. There are no horrible, tragic events to deal with, and the hero doesn't spend time laboring for his sins. We're allowed to eat our popcorn and cheer him on. When all is said and done, you don't have to think too much.

Personally, I was inclined to consider the work for a long while. I've come to the conclusion, that this is a different Hercules. He's akin to Frankenstein, in the Universal classic; there is a separate base for the character, but he stands on his own. Who am I to determine the definitive version? It's hard to make a qualitative statement, in the court of public opinion.

There are at least three epics, called “Lord Of The Rings”. One is in print and two are on screen. As I understand it, they are very different things, but people are going to choose the version they please. What came before doesn't matter ultimately; some will swear by the books and others will disregard them.

Mythology can be thought of, as an extension of oral tradition. How many times has the story of Hercules changed through the ages? The original tale is lost in time and it has little importance. Back then it was as it is today, with the story at the whim of the storyteller.

Trailer Here.

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@ChannelSeals

See “Hercules” on Netflix!

Christmas Eve: A bonus look at “A Nightmare Before Christmas”

Next Monday: James and The Giant Peach

CMT - Mulan

Having been born and raised in the United States, I haven't been exposed to different cultures. When I consider the human condition, I do so with a western orientation. Individuality is counted among my virtues, and I believe in a number of human rights. I would never agree with any ideology, that forces conformation at the cost of identity.

Personal freedom means a great deal to me, but I'm aware that others don't share my opinion. Some would do almost anything, in order to be looked upon favorably. It's more than just our choice of cars and mobile phones; we dress, act and choose jobs in fear of judgement. Apparently a major concern with a possible spouse, is how we will look beside them in public. The nature of the relationship, whether good or ill, may well be secondary.

I think the important thing is to make a decision. Should you live for yourself, or live to please others? You might mean to do both, or one instead of the other, but the choice is yours and it has to be one that works. Social acceptance has a lot of benefits, but it also has a number of consequences.


Classic Movie Trailers - Mulan (1998)


They say the life of a child is care free. If that's true, it's because they don't see the pressure. From the time babies are born to their lives as young adults, they are groomed and taught and punished, to do only what is expected. Everything, from their style of dress to a lifestyle is discussed, and among all the options, they are presented with what we deem appropriate.

It starts very early. Their rooms are painted blue or pink, and clothing is assigned by gender. If their hair is cut short, they're allowed to play sports, and the rest are left with dolls and tea sets. You call it childhood, I call it training, and available roles are firmly defined.

Many of us settle into our jobs with ease. Questions are never raised and answers are never given. If the process works, the parents are proud and boastful. If it doesn't, they live their lives in fear.

What happens when people aren't suited for their roles? What happens when they find their souls were shaped in a different mold? They'll make people uncomfortable, at the very least; at most they will discover a righteous condemnation. I worry that in those situations, too many parents think about "how things look"; their first and only concern should be the child.

We look back on high school and laugh about how popularity governed all we did. I would argue that if we use that measure,  high school extends a lot farther than you think. If life is positive and you are happy with the results, I still have to wonder if I'll ever truly know you. Facades are laid on so thick it's hard to see through them, and it's fair to question happiness in chains. Those bonds are never as secure as when we lock them ourselves, nevertheless they will always be restraints.

Is it worth it? That's a question that bears frequent repeating. I imagine the answer will change from time to time. With experience and self-awareness, you can make an informed decision that suits you today. I believe there's no wrong answer to that query, but I know for a fact, that there's a wrong answer for you.

Before I conclude I must ask for forgiveness, from my eastern neighbors that will assume my arrogance. Please know that I base belief on evidence, and I place less importance on tradition. Customs are useful guidelines, only when they are not. If a system aids some of us, it is flawed for the rest.

I testify before all that dare to read, and I brave ridicule to challenge convention. If honor is meant to bring respect to a house, then the concept of honor is ill-defined. Such regard is held by the unworthy, and many are outcast despite their worth. An honorable person has integrity, and their critics are often rooted in bias.




Trailer Here.


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@ChannelSeals


See "Mulan" on Netflix!


Next week: "Hercules"

CMT - Fantasia

Red and green are complimentary colors. In the context of a painting, they can be placed side by side for an eye catching effect. The pigments viewed in parallel, appear to be loud or more intense. If you mix them, a curious thing happens; the fight for dominance ends and they cancel each other out. 

In class, the practice mystified me. They were stark in close proximity, but together they were mute. I also tried purple and yellow, and then orange with blue; each mixture produced a different gray, but the results were very similar. The best way I can describe it, is the joining of two elements to make a unique third. There is no visible clue of origin, and the parent colors lose their identities.

I think you can look at complementary art, in much the same way. Poems and paint are very different things, but with just enough of each, you can create something that stands alone. Reasonably then, we can also suppose that in juxtaposition, they become more pronounced. For proof, consider movies and music together, before imagining them apart.


Classic Movie Trailers - Fantasia (1940)


Over time, this film has developed a loyal following, but for me it disappoints in a significant way. If we could interpret the segments ourselves, we would take so much more from the experience. As it is, the meaning and origin of the art is dictated to us, before we even see it. They are interesting facts, and they add spoken word to a movie without dialogue, but they take away so much.

Had I been there, I would have argued that interpretation is vital. Movies are not lectures, and we shouldn't prepare for a test at the end. The methods behind the art are harmful distractions, and Fantasia's focus is crystal clear. Sounds and sights are happily married, in a way that is mutually beneficial.

Synchronization is nothing new. I doubt the forties dawned it's invention. If we examined cinema closely, we would see it's presence everywhere. Action and dialogue draw us away, but here they didn't have to; here, they could have followed behind.

The missed opportunity negates all the positives. Despite that conviction however, I'm convinced they still exist. Audio is never so beautiful, when devoid of matching imagery. When they are together though, no explanation is necessary.

I pray you'll forgive the same crime, but I think an admission is warranted; music inspires painting and is inspired by it. You've probably considered that, but experience is the best teacher. Revelation shines a light brighter than facts do alone. The key displayed before the puzzle steals a valuable exercise.

Consider yourself for a moment, and assume you hold a creative genius. This priceless thing is locked away and is yet to be discovered. Daily life is spent with a barrier you have failed to acknowledge. It prevents you from progressing, but a few notes can erode that strength. A simple breach could be the catalyst for an incredible breakthrough.

What we see in this movie, is artwork made under crippling conditions. Invisible chains were secured and they held the animators back. I'm dismayed by thoughts of what could have been, if they were laid aside. Unfortunately, they weren't left with a puzzle; the key was provided to them in advance and it limited all the results.

We were still treated with centaurs, and Pegasus lived alongside his family. Flora danced before fauna, and the planet was born somewhere in between. Maybe the art is more remarkable, given the limitations. Ultimately however, there is no way to know the alternatives.

What I can say, is an important note regarding creativity. Writers need writing and artists need art, but those aren't the only requirements. A medium that looks frequently inward cannibalizes itself. If the crop is to survive, there has to be cross-pollination.

I can give you the information college has given me. I can tell you about certain colors, and how they work together in equal quantities. What I can not do, is explain what happens when they are mixed unequally. Some things can't be told, and life is about discovery.




Trailer Here.


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@ChannelSeals

See "Fantasia" on Netflix!

Next Week: "Mulan"