The moment I start watching a foreign animated film, I
realize how generic the American studio animation is. True, Pixar has been the
gold standard for animated features, especially in terms of story and
characterization. And theirs are among the few animated films where the
director’s hand can be felt. But when it comes down to it, there’s an almost level
uniformity to the projects coming out of Pixaar, Disney, Dreamworks, and Warner
Bros. So to watch something like the French film Ernest & Célestine is to be reminded taht artistry, style, and
uniqueness of visión can all be worked into animation. Also, the story can be
based on a children’s book without pandering to children.
