Tuesday, 4 October 2016

Critical Analysis

Roger Rabbit Short 

property of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Image Works

Here is a short animation taken from the film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" 1988 produced by Disney Animation and directed by Robert Zemeckis.


The film starts off with an homage to the loony tunes with the iconic bulls eye opening emphasizing the two main characters. The style and motifs create a 1940's golden age cartoon short. This can be conveyed through the classic typography as well as the way the entire animation is illustrated through the appeal. The title card introduces and anticipates the shenanigans of a slapstick cartoon.

The cartoon is an homage to classic cartoons from the 40's golden age. The structure of this short goes from one conflict to bigger conflict, while the pacing speeds up as the slapstick becomes more exaggerated. 

Allot of great TV shows and films appeal to me because they take one situation that leads to conflict ,which then leads to bigger conflicts and in the end a good payoff when the conflict is resolved. This form of structure creates more gripping stories, The Protagonist has to face a big conflict in order to achieve a big objective.

The Colour scheme of the cartoon is also visually appealing and portrays the 40s Americana design, the saturated colours of the characters contrast nicely with the less saturated backgrounds  making them almost jump out the screen. However unlike old shorts from the 40's there is more attention to detail in the lighting and shadows. This allows the cartoon to look new as well as vintage.

The cinematography can be realistic in some shots and gets more surreal as Roger comes across conflict an example would be at 3:17 where the kitchen becomes more deformed and abstracted 2:05, While a shot at the beginning 0:24 shows a low camera shot of Rogers height perspective allowing the audience to get more involved with his situations.

The music in each situation is engaging and creates different moods that reflect the two main characters actions.  

The short is also not afraid of breaking rules which is also another example of the animation feeling like a classic golden age cartoon.

The film starts off with an homage to the loony tunes with the iconic bulls eye opening emphasizing the two main characters. The style and motifs create a 1940's golden age cartoon short. This can be conveyed through the classic typography as well as the way the entire animation is illustrated through the appeal. The title card introduces and anticipates the shenanigans of a slapstick cartoon,

You never see the mothers body or face this is another cartoon trope this can be seen in Tom and Jerry episodes and could be where this trope originated.

Rogers Design looks like an influence of Bugs bunny.

The film is a PG which means that the recommended audience can be from older kids to adults. The short would appeal to children and teens, however some adults may find this scene too goofy and silly.


This short appeals to kids but it also like classic cartoons has jokes meant for adults and older audiences. The slapstick is very fluid and also uses some subtle innuendo's and mild language.   

As the plot starts there is conflict straight away, Roger has been given the responsibility to baby sit his owners child or else he will be taken back to the science lab. A scene is a negotiation he ever wins or loses. 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZBcVBqAAUI 

The merrie melodies intro opening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqGuxOH4Sg4

Tom and Jerry because of the similarities of the kitchen and two characters conflicting with each other. Roger and Herman are in conflict just like Tom and Jerry. Roger however is trying to protect Herman completely an opposite to Tom and Jerry.  


What is the main characters thought process ?

from 0:27 to 1:17
Roger starts out as relaxed and lazy until the (Antagonist) mother asks him to babysit Herman, next he shows a nervous expression as he is threatened by her.

next he shows pride as he promises he will do well but through his psychological gestures he does seem a little nervous because of his personality he gets carried away and keeps talking even though she has left. This leads to the main conflict as the baby leaves the crib and goes on a mission to get the cookies. Then Roger notices and shows panic. 

Why the Protagonist is likable ?

Roger is an underdog in the film and is more dysfunctional, traits like this can be more relate able  and therefore this makes the audience root for him more. As he goes through the conflict you emphasize with his situations. His goal in life is to make people laugh which is a positive and likable goal. 


Overall I have learnt to be observant and notice new things to create amazing stories characters and animations.





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