![]() ![]() ![]() Produced byPixar Animation Studio's John Lasseter-ironic sincePixar helped sound the death knell for 2-D animation-and directed by Pixar's Pete Doctor and Disney's Rick Dempsey, theEnglish-language cast also includes Josh Hutchersonas Markl, Howl's young apprentice, the lovablyirascible Billy Crystal as the lovably irascible fire demon Calcifer,and Blythe Danner making a sort-of cameo as the King's formidable headsorceress Madame Sulliman. Similarly, Miyazaki draws heavily upon fairytalearchetypes not found in Jones' own book-and as anyone with a rudimentaryknowledge of fairytales knows, only true love wields the power to break the spell. ![]() Balancedprecariously on a set of giant, mechanical chicken haunches that crash determinedlythrough the countryside, it's the type of mobile quarters a steampunk Baba Yagawould elect, considering the Russian folklore character's obvious influence onthe castle's design. This is a few words of movie music: simple, deceptive, cool, just right. This is a movie you can watch online with any crowd of people, and everyone will enjoy it at least a little. Miyazaki, however, presents us with a huffingand puffing, looming bulwark of a castle darkened with a patina of filth and assembledwilly-nilly out of what resembles salvaged scrap metal and junkyard remains. It is my favorite fantasy movie because parts felt very similar to my life experience. blowing clouds of black smoke from its four tall, thin turrets." The castle of Jones'imagining has a description that's disappointing spare-a "tall black castle. The story'strue central character isn't Sophie, but Howl's moving castle itself, whichfunctions as both the setting of many scenes and the primary mode oftransport-a magical door opens up into different locales depending on where thepointer of a multicolored dial is resting. As he tries to blowapart the imperial airships responsible for the wreckage, the anti-war messageis unmistakable, and unsurprising, considering that Miyazakihimself grew up the post-war tumult and desolation of post-war Japan. Against darkened skies, Howl, in bird-human hybrid form,swoops angrily over scorched vistas of devastated towns. In another majordeparture from the Jones' book, Miyazaki's Howl's centers on a war between twofeuding nations. It is this Sophie's gentlekindness-and by extension, the story's clarion call of the importance of "innerbeauty"-that rehabilitates a villain, unravels a mystery and forges severalhappily-ever-afters (come now, were you honestlyexpecting any less?). UnlikeJones' Sophie, who turns tail and hides from an enchanted, turnip-headedscarecrow that insists on stalking her, Miyazaki'sSophie welcomes the silent but steady companion. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |