By Frank H. Woodward Jul 16, 2005, 19:03 GMT
Friday in San Diego, I glimpsed into my movie-going future. After a year of weak films and weak box office, it's a relief to be excited about these upcoming films.
The Corpse Bride puppet. (Frank H. Woodward/M&C)
Imagine 6,000 people assembled to catch a glimpse of only one person. That's business as usual for Comic Con. Today, that special person was Natalie Portman. For me, however, what was more fascinating was the film she came to promote...V For Vendetta.
Described by producer Joel Silver as "a controversial film for controversial times", V For Vendetta warns of a possible future where fascism reigns once more. The consequences are personified by V, a masked terrorist who's philosophy is quite clear... people shouldn't fear their government. Government should fear its people. In a time of diminishing personal rights, this film promises to be a prescient, cautionary epic.
There's been some controversy surrounding the adaptation of this graphic novel. Famed author Alan Moore has disassociated himself from the film. According to co-author David Lloyd, Moore could only be happy with a complete translation of his work. With a Wachowski Brothers script and Portman, Hugo Weaving, and Stephen Rea in the cast, V For Vendetta looks to stay true to its vengeful vision.
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Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is based on a Ukrainian folk tale that tells of a bride who was murdered on a wedding night. A perfect story for a stop motion, gothic romance, don't you think?
The facial armatures of Corpse Bride's puppets are a major leap forward from the ones used on A Nightmare Before Christmas. The smoothness of their expressions rivals the best CG. Burton, co-director Mike Johnson and producer prefer the tangibility of puppets to their computer cousins and, having seen 10 minutes of the final product, it's hard to argue. The range of emotions their puppets are capable of was demonstrated by animator Peter Dodd. Eyes can be exchanged with the use of a magnet. Facial quirks can be tweaked by using an Allen wrench. With the Corpse Bride herself, the process was like animating 3 figures, especiallywhen adding in her undulating hair and veil.
Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Emily Watson lend their voices along with four Oingo Boingo-esque songs from Danny Elfman. Corpse Bride should chill us with delight come September 25.
Darren Aronofsky screened the opening scenes from his new film The Fountain and, though intriguing, it is difficult to explain what the film is about. I do know it stars Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz and the Fountain of Youth and is told over three time periods(1500, 2000, and 2500). Envision, if you will, Jackman with a shaved head traveling through space with a globe encased sentient tree. You may be scratching your head, but you have to admit it makes you curious.
Aronofsky and Weisz were on hand to explain The Fountain to us. All I can tell you with any certainty is:
An exclusive trailer of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was shown. While short in information, it is comforting to see that the tone of Prisoner of Azkaban has made its way into director Mike Newell's take on Hogwarts. That and a spot on interpretation of Mad Eye Moody by Brendan Gleeson (not to mention Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort) makes this sequel a must see for fans.
Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest is currently shooting. That didn't stop producer Jerry Bruckheimer from sending an exclusive trailer to Comic Con's Hall H. Though most of what we saw was production art, there was much to excite the crowd about Captain Jack Sparrow's next adventure...cannibals, Davy Jones, the Flying Dutchman and a krakken. All the principals (Depp, Keira Knightley, and Orlando Bloom) will return in July 2006.
Chicken Little is the first CG animated film produced in-house by Walt Disney Studios. Though it will surely be compared to Pixar's work, the most challenging aspect for the Mouse House was making the move away from 2D animation. This classic style was what built Walt's company.
It took Joe Grant, a 97 year old designer from the Snow White days, to give his fellow artists courage. He reminded them that "our heritage is great characters and story." Whether Chicken Little is any of these remains to be seen. Based on the footage that director Mark Dindal (The Emperor's New Groove) showed us, Chicken Little is definitely witty.
The story picks up soon after Chicken Little's infamous false alarm. Now he struggles to earn his Dad's pride and live down the whole "sky falling" incident. That's when the aliens land. Chicken Little raises the alarm again... this time for real.
Sky High started as an idea for a TV series. Then Harry Potter became a raging success and gave Sky High a shot at the big screen.
Sky High is where the children of the world's top superheroes go to realize their power. There, much like in normal high school, the children find themselves labeled. In this case... hero or sidekick.
The film follows Will Stronghold, son of Captain Stronghold as he tries to prove he's more than sidekick material. With Kelly Preston, Lynda Carter and Bruce Campbell as part of the curriculum, Sky High could live up to its name with the kiddies. For the adults... hey, it's got Bruce Campbell as a superhero gym teacher. What's not to like? Sky High opens July 29.
Today at Comic Con 2005... more coming attractions that will reach a new zenith for movie and comic fans. Director Bryan Singer is coming with news on Superman Returns. There's also a little film called King Kong to whet our appetites. Stay tuned!!
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