Promoting Good Animation: Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Zach Tambaoan
Sep 4, 2018 · 2 min read

For the purpose of promoting unique, exceptional, good animation, I picked Wes Anderson’s film, because it is one of the more unexpected stop motion animated films, but also a visually beautiful, beloved,appealing and well executed film with the Wes Anderson style, and is personally one my family’s favorite films (at least one that is not made by Disney).

An adaption from the Roald Dahl book of the same name, the story follows a charming and sly fox who decides to steal from some of the most dangerous farmers and businessmen in the land, and so he and his family must rally his friends and neighbors together when the consequences of his clever ways comes knocking. the film from beginning to end is a visual feast for the eyes without being overly exaggerated or unnecessary, with the warm color palette wonderfully on display throughout the film. From the incredible design of the animal main characters (voiced by the likes of George Clooney as Mr. Fox, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray), to the background and landscape of the countryside that plays host to the escapades and daring thefts from the story’s appropriately cartoonish villains, all beautifully animated using stop motion animation that serves to enhance Anderson’s unique presentation. Particularly, Anderson’s style is on full display, to the excellent use of symmetry in many scenes to the noteworthy use of tableaux overhead shots that help further establish the set piece and the characters (all fleshed out even further with the help of crazy attention to detail).

When it comes to movies, sound is everything, and the Anderson’s dedication and hard work is also present in a big way. Working with frequent collaborator Alexander Desplat, award winning French film composer, the pair craft an incredible score that combines Anderson’s whimsical stylings with Desplat’s versatility and controlled energy, along with the considered use of many hits from the likes of The Rolling Stone, Beach Boys, and the Wellingtons that help create a visual and musical work of art that cannot be missed. From the animation to the storytelling I believe that Fantastic Mr. Fox is one those that you can watch again and again and never grow tired of the antics and misfits in the Fox Family.

BetweenTheFrames

Animated analysis from UMBC's Intro to Animation class

Zach Tambaoan

Written by

BetweenTheFrames

Animated analysis from UMBC's Intro to Animation class

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