This is a great film as a story in it's own right. Yet when you think of it on a technical level, it really floors me. Having to use imagination, puppetry, then physically draw and paint over film to hide the artifice and make it look seamless, it's a wonder it works at all.
I also remember the amazement of seeing competing cartoon characters in the same space, you'll never see Disney and Warner Bros characters talking to each other again.
Although I didn't love this film, I did love your piece on it! I hadn't really thought how difficult it must've been to act with animation, but have a new-found respect for Hoskins!
Thank you for reminding me of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'. I was blown away by the concept when it first came out. I have not seen it since, but must hunt it down and show my daughter. I hope it stands the test of time. As always, I appreciate your insight, knowledge and viewpoint.
One of my favourite movies ever!!! I read the Roger Rabbit book series by Gary K. Wolf a few years ago and although I enjoyed them, I do prefer the movie. Loved this!
I did (still do) love this film, for different reasons as an adult than when I was a kid. I enjoyed the slapstick of it when it came out (my parents took us to see it at the famous ‘Kinema in the Woods’ in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire), and really we were probably a little bit too young, but some of the ratings were more slack back then. We watched it on VHS in the 90s (I got a *lot* more jokes as a teenager!), and then I stumbled across it on TV just a few years ago. Yup, still brilliant (and brilliantly mad)! So much dark humour, use of subverted tropes, genuine homage and love of classic film and animation styles. It’s great!
You are so right. I remember watching things that I am not sure that children would be able to watch these now. I hadn't stumbled upon it for a while but loved watching it again and then writing about it. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.
I find it baffling that a film with a PG rating, which can therefore legally be watched by children of any age in a cinema, has a murder scene so disturbing that, as far as I know, it is always cut for TV (in the UK, anyway). See also: the cutting of a much more innocent line in Local Hero.
"..animation isn’t an aside but a marginalised underclass, boxed into Toontown and treated as property...."
Which is how I have grown up considering it ever since I saw this film. Learning more about the history of Hollywood (and that of the city of Los Angeles around it) only seems to confirm that view.
Thus I found a topic to write about in terms of non-fiction history, where I had examples to draw from, and also in fiction, where I largely didn't, and I could try to fill in some gaps in the "record".
Your writing David, (your article link) is great. The way you discuss the riots and the balance you have is so good, thank you for always sharing your wide knowledge too, it is always appreciated.
This is a great film as a story in it's own right. Yet when you think of it on a technical level, it really floors me. Having to use imagination, puppetry, then physically draw and paint over film to hide the artifice and make it look seamless, it's a wonder it works at all.
I also remember the amazement of seeing competing cartoon characters in the same space, you'll never see Disney and Warner Bros characters talking to each other again.
It's always great for me to revisit this, thanks!
Although I didn't love this film, I did love your piece on it! I hadn't really thought how difficult it must've been to act with animation, but have a new-found respect for Hoskins!
Thanks for reading, even if you didn't like the film. I often think this and can see some actors do it well and others less so...:)
Always luv your "3 Fun Facts" Jon.
Thanks so much. It is one of my favourite features.
In an interview, Hoskins said that he’d consciously grip Roger’s neck, with closed fingers, so someone wouldn’t have to paint between his fingers. ❤️
He’s been one of my favourites ever since.
I didn't know that, thank you. I love it when people share little nuggets like that as it really broadens my animated world.
Thank you for reminding me of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'. I was blown away by the concept when it first came out. I have not seen it since, but must hunt it down and show my daughter. I hope it stands the test of time. As always, I appreciate your insight, knowledge and viewpoint.
Thanks so much, I hope your daughter does enjoy it…not sure it will stand the test of time, but who knows 😍
One of my favourite movies ever!!! I read the Roger Rabbit book series by Gary K. Wolf a few years ago and although I enjoyed them, I do prefer the movie. Loved this!
You are one wise person you are :)
I did (still do) love this film, for different reasons as an adult than when I was a kid. I enjoyed the slapstick of it when it came out (my parents took us to see it at the famous ‘Kinema in the Woods’ in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire), and really we were probably a little bit too young, but some of the ratings were more slack back then. We watched it on VHS in the 90s (I got a *lot* more jokes as a teenager!), and then I stumbled across it on TV just a few years ago. Yup, still brilliant (and brilliantly mad)! So much dark humour, use of subverted tropes, genuine homage and love of classic film and animation styles. It’s great!
You are so right. I remember watching things that I am not sure that children would be able to watch these now. I hadn't stumbled upon it for a while but loved watching it again and then writing about it. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment.
I find it baffling that a film with a PG rating, which can therefore legally be watched by children of any age in a cinema, has a murder scene so disturbing that, as far as I know, it is always cut for TV (in the UK, anyway). See also: the cutting of a much more innocent line in Local Hero.
"..animation isn’t an aside but a marginalised underclass, boxed into Toontown and treated as property...."
Which is how I have grown up considering it ever since I saw this film. Learning more about the history of Hollywood (and that of the city of Los Angeles around it) only seems to confirm that view.
Thus I found a topic to write about in terms of non-fiction history, where I had examples to draw from, and also in fiction, where I largely didn't, and I could try to fill in some gaps in the "record".
Certainly this particular piece wouldn't exist without that movie: https://davidperlmutter.substack.com/p/the-toontown-riots-of-1949
Your writing David, (your article link) is great. The way you discuss the riots and the balance you have is so good, thank you for always sharing your wide knowledge too, it is always appreciated.
Thank you.