No one has ever seen a Pinocchio who performs for Mussolini, but Guillermo del Toro’s dark, moving, yet optimistic take on the story of the puppet who grows up has more in common with Mussolini’s surreal, political films, The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth than with the familiar Disney adaptation. He and co-director Mark Gustafson construct a Geppetto whose small kid is murdered by a bomb during World War One using vivid, artistically crafted puppets and breathtaking stop-motion animation.
The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, an Italian classic from 1883, served as a vague inspiration for the film, which retells the story of the wooden puppet Pinocchio, who comes to life as the son of his carver Geppetto. Additionally, it makes extensive use of the illustrations by Gris Grimly from the book’s 2002 edition.
Guillermo del Toro reassures the future of Animated films
Pinocchio had stiff competition at the Golden Globes. The other Best Animated Feature Film nominees included the Japanese animated musical Inu-Oh, the Shrek spin-off and sequel Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Disney’s original coming-of-age adventure Turning Red, and the quirky mockumentary comedy-drama Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
Pinocchio’s win at the Golden Globes gave Guillermo del Toro a platform to advocate for animated films. When his film won Best Animated film, he addressed the gathering with gratitude and love. The director and creator also used this moment to reiterate the importance of Animated movies. He said,
“Animation is cinema, it is not a genre for kids; it’s a medium.” He added, “It’s a movie not for kids, but kids can see it with you if you explain it to them.”
Hollywood required the reminder as even now Animation is seen as an inferior film, it is often considered a cartoon and not cinema. The aspiration to make more animated films probably comes from the fact that the film, a long-term passion project for del Toro, was first slated for release in 2008 but was delayed until 2022. It took almost ten years for the director to bring his film to the silver screen.
Guillermo del Toro gave a shout-out to another animated film
After openly advocating for Animated films at the Golden Globe, del Toro continues his quest. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse has been shortlisted for the Oscars under Animated Short Film, he took to Twitter to praise the film and recommends it to everyone.
The story is about an unusual connection between The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse as they go in search of the boy’s home. Even though the plot is straightforward, both the movie and the book offer deep and profound insights about the things in life that truly matter with a message of hope. The traditional hand-drawn animation is utilized to add a homely touch.
The film was released on 24 December 2022, directed by Directors: Charlie Mackesy and Peter Baynton, and is based on a book by Charlie Mackesy. Unlike many authors, Mackesy took a more central role in the making of the film.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is available on Apple TV. Pinocchio is streaming on Netflix.
Source: Twitter
