Shrek

[poliphilo]

When it comes to cartoons we lower the bar. We expect them to be schmaltzy and sappy and dumb, so if they show a modicum of wit and invention we greet them as all-conquering masterpieces. I don't think I've ever seen a feature-length cartoon I've altogether liked. Shrek is good- one of the best- But if it was live action it really wouldn't seem that hot.

Comments

[jackiejj.livejournal.com]

I like the old Disney animations--Snow White--so graceful and "floaty"--I love the fat furniture and the little pictures on walls--even the squeaky voices.

I like to watch Snow White clean up the Dwarves' cottage, the elegant way she dusts.

The new Disney movies are just syrupy and cute--Kate says all the singers sound like Miss America contestants.

I an get into an entirely new, quirky state of mind after watching just one old Disney film--even a cartoon with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

I wouldn't mind having a puffy sofa with big polka dots, with a small framed picture of a boat on a river hanging over it, held up by a single nail.

And a big red bow in my hair. Just so.

[four-thorns.livejournal.com]

i've always thought that one of the best things about cartoons is that you can do things that can't be done in a live-action production (or not without millions of dollars of special effects, anyway), which is why i think it's impossible to compare the two- of course a medium built on the impossible is going to be terrible if asked to conform to the rules of reality.

also, we only expect cartoons to be schmaltzy and sappy and dumb because that's what we've been given in our countries. cartoons have always been regarded as a kids' thing here, and grownups do some insipid things in the effort to appeal to kids. but check out animated stuff from japan, and it's nothing like that, because historically the japanese used animation instead of live action because it was cheaper and required less production space.