#flushedaway

Hunterview Whitey

I have to say, while Disney’s fantasy lands are whimsical and perfectly designed, nothing transfixes you more than the setting of a Dreamworks movie. 

Far Far Away from Shrek? Kung Fu Panda’s ancient China? The world of Flushed Away? FREAKIN BERK FROM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON?!

The moment Puss in Boots started, I was all in--the lore, the gritty setting, the rude jokes. The subtle spins on fairytale characters. The nod to Shrek. It was all so intriguing; the social system, the details left unknown.

I think that what differentiates Disney and Dreamworks’ worlds is that DW tends to deviate from the lingering taste of consumerism. Yes, cute characters are designed for marketing, but they are also to make a narrative point, and it’s never as blatant as Disney except Trolls. Though DW color schemes have traditionally been less pastel-y and glowy in comparison to Disney, they make a point with their deep character insights. Or consider the world of Berk, which is a masterpiece in itself. It’s edgy, raucous, not exactly kid-friendly, and the villagers are crusty and crude. But in its originality, its bleak humor, Berk has become one of the most memorable fictional worlds there is.

Another example is Over the Hedge. It’s not flashy or dreamy; it’s a chaotic story about a ragtag group of pest animals who swindle a neighborhood to eat their food. All the scenes take place in quiet suburbia. But with every relatable image, every peek into these creatures’ lives, the viewer is consumed by the plot.

I also can’t end without mentioning Rise of the Guardians--I read the books, and DW went above and beyond bringing that world to life. The absence and presence of color are so cleverly used, without overdoing it. The various settings serve the characters; they don’t exist just to be a pretty screenshot. It is wondrous, for the sake of being wondrous, because the movie is about childlike wonder and not raking in money. 

Is it just me who sees the resemblance?