I was in Holland when Moriarty's article was posted, but well... When he was going on and on about the film (The Iron Giant) I told him he needed to see TARZAN, so that he could hold each in his hands, feel their weight, judge their merits and faults, and see in no uncertain terms, where the world of animation is this summer. Then I told him about the composer rumblings I heard, and hooked him up with Sir Etch-A-Sketch. But mostly... I wanted to write the introduction for his piece. Whilst in my trans-atlantic travelings, I read IRON GIANT while my eardrums teemed with John Williams' SUPERMAN score. I have seen glimpses of designs of all the characters, and then I played Brad's film in my mental screen. I can back up everything Moriarty says that is plot based. This film does indeed exceed brilliantly in the script stage. It's sad that right now, between UNIVERSAL and WARNER BROTHERS we have two studios that are in a shifting stage. Rumors that Lorenzo's (at the WB) Contract isn't going to be resigned, and that a massive... purging is mere weeks away... Well, when things like this are in the wind, decisions... gutsy ones... are rarely made. I would like to point out though to Semel and crew that they have a great slate this year, that pulling the switch on the hangman's noose may be premature. I can't believe I'm saying that, but I am. Warners could have a banner year this outing, they have the products to do it.... if they don't choke. And with IRON GIANT.... there is the potential to choke. It's an animated film without songs.... It should be the first of many from WARNER, that should be their brand. "Disney and Dreamworks Brings You TUNES, Warner Brothers Brings You The TOONS!" It is time to be smart, hire the best ad people in the business and make the quality pay off. Otherwise, that noose will tighten, and right now, with films like THE IRON GIANT you have the knife to cut your own rope. Cut it.
And here's what one of the Animators on the project had to say about Moriarty's piece and the film he's working on. I believe it reveals a great deal of pride in one's accomplishments, let's hope that his/her's enthusiasm is shared by Warners' execs....
First of all, Moriarty---whoever you are---you are the MAN! Or W'man, whatever applies to you! I have to say that although you spilled the beans on perhaps TOO MUCH of the story details on The Iron Giant, including the bit about the ending, I applaud what you said, and I am very happy that you liked it that much.
It makes us artists very happy to see the audience respond so well, especially when it concerns something we worked so hard on.
Furthermore, you are absolutely right: It IS a terrific film. It will be, by many standards, a landmark feature in animation, breaking away from that Disney-ed "Broadway Musical" crap that comes out damn time! Not that Disney isn't any good. On the contrary, they have been brilliant in many aspects of animation and in bringing the art of this medium on the big screen. They are the ones responsible for the popularity of animation. The same company, however, to keep with the "every animated feature MUST BE a musical" philosophy, and it's driving a lot of us MAD! It's driving us adults (and a lot of children, too) just plain CRAZY! Damn! Enough already, man! This now boring Disney formula---that same formula that makes most of us kringe, grunt, and moan every time a song starts, needs to end! It is So-o-o-o predictable and so story-stopping---EVERY TIME!. That's why I was so excited to see The Iron Giant break away from this tired crap.
I agree that animation is just a medium, a way in which to illustrate and/or tell a story, and I think The Iron Giant will be the one to do just that (and to do animation do justice). In it's almost simplistic beauty, I believe it will acomplish what DreamWorks tried to do with its Prince of Egypt. Unfortunately, however, DreamWorks proved with its "Prince" that technical and visual accomplishments aren't what make a movie good. A bad movie is always a bad movie, no matter how pretty you try to make it. The visuals in Prince of Egypt were in fact, in some places, just downright amazing! It also had some very nice animation and clean up. Prince of Egypt, however, lacked in the three most important parts of a film: STORY, STORY, and STORY! I was never really "sucked in," and the characters were quite bland most of the time.
I am proud to say, though, that story is what drives The Iron Giant. The characters are so very well developed, VERY likeable, and very well designed. Nice and stylized almost, and very appealing. Also, you just cannot help getting sucked right into this one!
This film is driven by pure 200% HEART at the core, and it comes through brilliantly! And about Warner's? Warner Bros. has been responsible for some GREAT films, films that redefined filmaking and the art of breaking the rules. I just hope they see Brad's vision the way we see it: a HIT! The artist see it, Warner's people I think see it. Now it's just a matter of WILL they back it that same 200%?!
I wish that the people filling out the checkbooks at Warner's would just have some faith in the brilliance of Brad Bird and the extremely talented crew of the Iron Giant. Promote the hell out of this GREAT film! And, if it has to come out alongside Disney, let's just ...get ready to RUMBLE! I believe that people will see more than one movie in any particular time slot. I believe that more than one animated film in the theaters at the same time is good for the industry, and I almost want to "challenge" Disney to go up against The Iron Giant. I think most people, especially those people with children, will see a Disney movie purely on the fact that it's preceeded by a Disney logo---whether it's good OR BAD! But once people see what a great film Iron Giant is, especially when compared to Tarzan and a lot of the animated films up until now, I think the boxoffice will prove that change is in the air, a change for the entire animation industry and a change in the way we all see an animated film.
And heroes? Hhhmm... Well, all I got to say is thanks. I feel like one. I bet Brad does, too. He should. I think he is the single most important person on the crew. He is the essential catalyst to bring us all together to make filmmaking history. ...Take a bow, Brad!
"Look! Up in the sky: It's a Byrd! It's a'playin... Yes! It's The Iron Giant!"
Much love, N. Artist
