This week we looked at ‘Genre‘, how it is implemented in film and shown using VFX. I will be comparing two films of the same genre, from two different decades and produced in different continents.
Specifically I will be comparing Labyrinth (1986) produced in England and Enchanted (2007) shot and created in America. Both films seem very different at first glance, yet they adhere to the same niche genre: Fantasy Musical.
Both productions follow a ‘hero’s journey’ in which the protagonist undertakes a journey or mission where they learn valuable lessons. This genre is considered a form of ‘speculative fiction’ alongside science fiction and horror films, although the genres do overlap.
To achieve a fantasy film, it must contain fantastic themes, usually magic, supernatural events, mythology, folklore, or exotic ‘make-belief’ worlds. In Labyrinth the other world is that where the goblins reside, and in Enchanted it is the cartoon world where the protagonist comes from.
The idea of consistency is important when analysing genre, with a musical fantasy it must have recognisable supernatural elements throughout the film, in particular characters or creatures that are abnormal. The 1986 Labyrinth uses very obvious elements of fantasy, with goblin-creatures, otherworldly animals, and talking inanimate objects. Whereas in Enchanted, the fantasy characters are portrayed as 2D cartoons, and talking animals, a much more subtle approach where the fantasy elements are merged with the ‘real life’ footage. Yet, both films consistently keep to the fantasy theme throughout.
The visual effects help to dictate the genre, in Labyrinth the characters are puppets, that had been hand made for the set. The character Hoggle was played by Shari Weiser who had to physically climb inside the costume, allowing him to walk and move. To ensure a believable look, 4 more people were enlisted in helping this character by handling the mouth and speaking, using off-screen remote controls to move the animatronic face.
The Visual Effects used for this film were all physical, using props lighting to create the fantasy effect, yet still be realistic in look. It was elements like this that ensure the audience knew it was a fantasy film throughout.
Similarly, in Enchanted the visual effects help to dictate the genre. Fantasy relies on the use of believable visual aesthetics. Created in 2007, the ability to create digital effects was much more available, with animators and artists using new and impressive software for the time. The side-kick was a talking chipmunk, made using 3d CG animated models, composited into live-footage. The fur, texture and animation created a realistic look to this un-realistic concept.
This film also relied on 2D cartoon cinematography to portray the original world in which Giselle (the protagonist) came from. These visuals, alongside the portal from the fake world to real were implemented very successfully, with characters coming to-and-from throughout the whole film.
Imperative to a fantasy genre film is the believability of the fantastical elements, both films provide this successfully using advanced technology for their times. They are both creator and audience-led, with the producers intending to create fantastical films, and the audience being able to actively recognise them within the films. Despite being vastly different both films adhere to the generic fantasy-musical themes.
https://screenrant.com/labyrinth-movie-behind-scenes-secrets-trivia/
https://www.moviefone.com/2017/11/20/enchanted-amy-adams-disney-trivia/