2020-01-31

The Iron Giant holds up

Do you remember the Iron Giant? I do and now, thanks to the miracle of digital home entertainment, so does my son. And guess what: He loved it.

What is the true mark of good literature: It withstands the test of time. Even though it came out only just over 20 years ago, it is impressive when an animated film that is that old (I am not a fan of that word) can still appeal to young audiences who have been acclimated to computer animations that are, for lack of a better word, different.

A look back
The first time I saw the Iron Giant was with my friend Steve during our time at McGill University. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but I did. Fast forward 20-ish years to me watching it with my 10-year-old son and you get to see me enjoying it on a whole new level. He was in stitches, where I, the university student in his early 20’s, was watching it and pretending to analyse it for artistic merit. I don’t know anymore what I came up with, but I know I was touched at the end (no spoilers, don’t worry).

Interesting controversies
I remember reading that Brad Bird, the creator of the film, was derided as a communist and anti-gun nut. A few years later, when he made the Incredibles, he was called a fascist… Whatev. They’re both great animated films! Thank you Mr. Bird!

And thank you ImdB for the pic :-)