“Coraline,” another masterwork from director Henry Selick, is a stop motion claymation film that delves into a dark and enchanting world. Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s novel, the story follows Coraline Jones, a young girl who discovers an alternate, seemingly perfect version of her own life through a secret door in her new home. However, as Coraline soon learns, this “perfect” world hides sinister secrets. The film stands out for its intricate designs, where every detail, from the buttons replacing characters’ eyes in the alternate world to the otherworldly landscapes, is a testament to the painstaking effort and artistry of claymation.
Critics and audiences alike showered praise on “Coraline” upon its release. The film’s blend of haunting visuals, rich storytelling, and mesmerizing stop motion animation made it both a commercial and critical success. Many highlighted its ability to portray a child’s perspective on loneliness, curiosity, and bravery, wrapped in a narrative that was both eerie and touching. It’s not just a testament to the power of storytelling in stop motion claymation, but also a reminder of the medium’s capability to evoke deep emotions, transcending age and background. Today, “Coraline” remains a beloved modern classic in animation, celebrated for its distinctive style and compelling tale.
Honorable Mentions
The Little Prince (2015) Directed by Mark Osborne, “The Little Prince” beautifully integrates CGI with stop motion claymation to bring to life Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s timeless novella. The stop motion sequences, representing the Little Prince’s stories, are poignant and visually distinct, adding depth and texture to this classic tale of love and loss.
Anomalisa (2015) A unique venture from directors Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson, “Anomalisa” is a stop motion animated film that delves deep into the human psyche. Utilizing highly detailed puppetry, the film portrays a man’s lonely quest for connection in a world where everyone seems the same.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) Directed by Wes Anderson, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” adapts Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel using meticulously crafted stop motion animation. With its quirky characters and Anderson’s signature style, the film revitalizes the tale of Mr. Fox’s wily confrontations with three nasty farmers in a visually captivating way.
Inspirations and Homages
“Beetlejuice” (1988) Directed by Tim Burton, “Beetlejuice” is known for its whimsical and dark style. While the film itself is live-action, it employs several stop motion sequences, especially during the scenes showcasing the sandworms and other supernatural elements. The stop motion segments act as a nod to classic animation techniques, blending seamlessly with Burton’s signature style.
“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” (2004) Directed by Wes Anderson, this film features numerous underwater creatures rendered in stop motion animation, courtesy of Henry Selick, known for directing “Coraline” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” These creatures, especially the mythical jaguar shark, pay homage to the age-old craft of stop motion, creating a distinctive contrast with the rest of the film’s live-action sequences.
“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)The AT-AT walkers in the Battle of Hoth are depicted using stop motion animation. Phil Tippett, an accomplished stop motion animator, worked on the technique called go motion (a refined version of stop motion) to give these massive machines a realistic movement. The use of this technique is a tribute to the legacy of stop motion in an era that was transitioning to more modern VFX techniques.
James and the Giant Peach (1996) – Directed by Henry Selick, this film directly draws from the aesthetic and storytelling techniques established in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
ParaNorman (2012) – Laika Studios, known for ‘Coraline,’ once again showcased their prowess with ‘ParaNorman.’ The intricate details and depth of characters pay homage to the rich legacy of stop motion claymation.
While these movies utilize a mix of various techniques, their inclusion of stop motion elements serves as a tribute to the long-standing tradition and artistic value of this animation style.
A Glimpse into the Future (or the near past, depending on when you’re reading this): Upcoming Stop Motion Films
Stop motion claymation, with its rich history and distinctive charm, continues to allure filmmakers and audiences alike. As the art form evolves, a new wave of ambitious projects is on the horizon, promising to push the boundaries of what stop motion can achieve. Here are a few eagerly anticipated films in the world of stop motion:
“Wendell and Wild” This project is a collaboration between director Henry Selick and stars Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key. The plot revolves around two demon brothers who face their arch-nemesis to earn their way out of hell. While the IMDb link I provided earlier is accurate, the project has been in the works for a while and might be closer to completion now.
“Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget” A sequel to the beloved 2000 stop-motion film “Chicken Run,” this film is being produced by Aardman Animations. It will follow the next generation of chickens at the farm as they embark on a new adventure.
“The Inventor”A film about Leonardo da Vinci directed by Jim Capobianco promises a unique perspective on the life of the legendary inventor and artist.
Resources for Aspiring Stop Motion Claymation Artists
Stop motion claymation is as much about passion as it is about patience. For those interested in diving into the craft, here are some resources that helped me to get started:
Online Courses: Websites like Udemy and Skillshare often offer courses specifically designed for stop motion claymation, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
Software: Dragonframe is an industry-standard software that provides the tools necessary for high-quality stop motion animation.
Communities: Websites like StopMotionAnimation.com offer forums and resources where both novices and experts can exchange ideas and techniques.
Festivals: Annual events like the “Stop Motion Montreal” festival provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and learn from global talents.
In conclusion, the film industry owes a significant debt to the art of stop motion claymation. From its early roots with ‘Gumby’ to modern masterpieces like ‘Coraline,’ it remains an awe-inspiring technique that marries the tactile with the fantastical, giving audiences around the world unforgettable cinematic experiences.
