Let me say first off that my only regret is I didn't see this film at the cinema. Instead, I had to make do with a tiny television and a rented video. A tiny television and video does not do this film justice. At all. I can only imagine what the atmosphere would've been out in a packed cinema, but I'm sure that palpable would be one of the words I'd use to describe it.
I read the Ted Hughes book, as did many English schoolchildren, when I was very, very young. Quick google searches reveal that kids nowadays tend to be reading the book in year three. That makes them seven when the teachers start foisting the book in front of the little terrors. I knew the story about the big iron man who fell to Earth, who befriended the small boy. We all loved the story, couldn't wait to turn the page. It's nice to see that teachers are still bringing great fiction to kids.
So: what've we got with The Iron Giant? Brad Bird takes the English set Iron Man (presumably, my memory fails me at this point, and I'm going to have to rush out an buy the Faber paperback) and shifts the story westwards into a panic-gripped America. Panic-gripped America? Sure, this is Sputnik-era America. There's widespread fear of the Communists and all that that entails to the proud and capitalist United States.
We still have our little boy, though. Hogarth. And we have his single mom, who, wonderfully, isn't all sugar and sweet but at the same time isn't a product of social posturing.
There's a simple message to this film, and although not an incredibly different message, it works well. It's not cliched (well, not much). It's not in your face, because it's handled tactfully and sensibly. The message is that Guns are Bad. Killing is Bad. Dying, however, can be good. Killing, on the other hand (repeat after me for added emphasis), is Bad. Remember that one, kids.
It's nice to see that we're treated to wonderful animation and fully fleshed out characters. Hogarth's a great kid. He's innocent, and he has an inquiring mind, but he's not stupid. Well, not entirely stupid. I suppose I should remember that he is a kid after all. Dean, the beatnik, is, well, a beatnik. Not much more to be said. His character's turnabout is predictable, but (damnit), I loved this film.
Ted Hughes writes a great story. Brad Bird shows great sensitivity as a director. The animation is first class, the script is first class, and try as I might, there's not much that I can fault about what I hope will be regarded as an instant classic in the same vein as the Disneys of yesteryear.
The Iron Giant is a film that would easily be loved by both adults and their children. If you feel embarrassed seeing an animated kids' feature when you're over twenty, go offer to look after your friends' kids. It's worth it. Or just go. Many recent films treat the audience as dumb animals, signpointing the obvious just in case that we didn't get the point, but a film that's trying to appeal to both kids and adults and still manages to be subtle is a refreshing change. Hardly indicative of a change in the trend, but a welcome change nonetheless.
If you're looking for one of those ultimate feelgood movies, you've found it. If you're looking for a guilt-free way to placate the kids, you've found it. If you're looking for a fun way to spend ninety minutes, you've found it. If you're a guy who wants to impress a girl of your sensitive side, then this is your movie. If you're a girl with a guy, then make him see this film--if he doesn't like it, then he's a schmuck (and being English, I don't use that word often).
Product DetailsOriginal Title:The Iron Giant (Special Edition)Actors: Cloris Leachman - Eli Marienthal - Harry Connick Jr. - James Gammon - Jennifer ...More at iNetVideo.com
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