Originally Posted to Letterboxd on July 21st, 2021
"I am not a Gun."
Back in the 90’s, Disney was having their massive run with their animated musicals/ renaissance era based on how they were pushing the boundaries they can do as a company and the quality of their films with hits such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. These films were huge hits both criticality and financially (Lion King especially), that as typical in Hollywood where something is huge and successful, everyone wants to bite the apple by releasing their own animated musicals/films to see if they can get form of that same success Disney had, and the results haven’t been all that great. Some of them worked (like The Prince of Egypt for example), but most of them turned out to not that great and simply forgets what made the Disney renaissance so successful. However in the year of 1999, Warner Bros animation released an animated film that was more of their own unique voice and not animated musical like everyone else was doing at the time (WB included). But even with its poor box office performance, it was a film that somehow out did Disney in their own game. That film is none other than Brad Bird’s masterpiece, The Iron Giant.
What makes The Iron Giant so special is that it takes many familiar tropes and cliches within stories of its nature and not only plays into the simplest of vibes, but it also gives it extra layer of complexity to it that makes every story beat, character interaction, and thematic depth that the film has to offer that much more impactful. Which is owe to Brad Bird’s tremendous writing and directing that shows both the amount talent the man is in both departments (especially for a debut feature), and how he makes sure that every moment, scene, plot thread, etc has it’s placement and purpose to the film has a whole. On top with that, the animation presented in Iron Giant is nothing short of spectacular. Every inch of landscape, character design, backdrops, choices of colors and settings are filled with rich depth, personality, and unique likeness that not only fits within the 50’s setting the film has, but even makes what type of humor and dramatic punches that more unique and alive. As well as giving it particular reasons for each choices made throughout the film and makes the whole experience that more affective. Not to mention the 3D on the Giant is blended so seemingly with the 2D animation that’s incredible and shocking how well it works.
Like I mention before, the simple plot allows more complexity and depth within the story and characters. The heart of the film lies into the relationship Hogarth and the 50 ft Giant and how it keeps in line with the meaningful and cheerful tone while not being afraid to explore on deep and heavy themes like paranoia, fear, death, and the inner morality within you and the choices you make that affects and dictates the life you want to have for yourself. All heavy themes, yet explored in such an affective way that both kids and adults can latch onto. Making a worthwhile experience that’s heavy with its emotional core, but also a lot of fun to watch. Again, not only is due to Bird’s style of writing and directing, but also through the great characters that are so simple, compelling, and fun and straight to the point to be invested in (on top it’s great voice acting from its cast), and how it plays to both the 50’s B movie like world while also connecting to the real world experiences that’s not only in line with the Cold War analysis of its time, but even connecting to the similar paranoia and fear we’re have today. It’s crazy that an 86 min animated film can provide more depth and layers than most live action films out there.
It’s a shame that this film performed poorly upon release, but it’s amazing that everyone (even WB to an extent) has giving it the recognition it deserves. The Iron Giant is the type of animated film we don’t see any more. One that takes on such simple concepts and ideas gives it an extra layer of depth into everything both its presentation and substance. Giving this film both a compelling and entertaining watch that anyone of age can enjoy and appreciate thanks to it’s beautiful animation, masculine style, and exploring deep themes within the confines of its story, characters, and themes that makes this film I would gladly revisit every year or so. It’s an absolute watch not just for animated fans and fans of good high quality cinema, but for anyone really. It’s one of the few times the term masterpiece is rightfully deserved. We don’t deserve some one as brilliant like Brad Bird.
Also forgot to mention that this film better gets the concept of Superman than most films that feature Superman. Just saying.
Rating: 10/10
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