Animation has become a significant part of Hollywood, with dozens of key films charting its major changes and continuities since the 1990s. It explores the emergence of new genres and stylistic approaches, the blurring of boundaries between animation and live-action, and how it responds to and recapitulates the values, beliefs, hopes, and fears of the nation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Animation has undergone significant changes and growth in Hollywood over the past thirty years, transforming it from a relatively marginal presence to a central part of the film industry and contemporary popular culture. This groundbreaking book offers an authoritative history of Hollywood animation since the 1990s, analyzing dozens of key films and examining the emergence of new genres and stylistic approaches, as well as the ongoing blurring of boundaries between animation and live-action. It explores how animation in the United States responds to and recapitulates the values, beliefs, hopes, and fears of the nation, providing a valuable insight into the cultural and social impact of this art form.

Animation in Hollywood: A Transformative Journey

Animation has come a long way since its early days in Hollywood, where it was often seen as a niche genre or a children's entertainment. However, in recent years, animation has become a major force in the film industry, with a growing number of films and TV shows being produced each year. This has led to a significant increase in the popularity of animation, both domestically and internationally.

The Emergence of New Genres and Stylistic Approaches

One of the most significant changes in Hollywood animation over the past thirty years has been the emergence of new genres and stylistic approaches. This has been driven by a combination of technological advancements, changing audience tastes, and the increasing influence of international cinema. For example, the rise of 3D animation has allowed filmmakers to create more immersive and visually stunning films, while the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) has opened up new possibilities for storytelling.

The Blurring of Boundaries Between Animation and Live-Action

Another significant change in Hollywood animation over the past thirty years has been the blurring of boundaries between animation and live-action. This has been driven by the increasing use of motion capture technology, which allows actors to be digitally scanned and animated, and by the increasing use of live-action footage in animated films. This has led to a more seamless and realistic integration of animation and live-action, and has allowed filmmakers to create more complex and immersive stories.

Narrative and Thematic Patterns

Hollywood animation has also been characterized by a strong narrative and thematic pattern. Many films and TV shows have explored themes of love, friendship, family, and adventure, and have used animation to convey these themes in a unique and engaging way. For example, The Lion King explores the relationship between a young lion and his father, while Toy Story explores the relationship between a boy and his toys.

Industry and Style Developments

Hollywood animation has also seen significant developments in industry and style over the past thirty years. This has been driven by the increasing demand for high-quality animation, as well as the increasing competition from other countries. As a result, studios have invested heavily in technology and talent, and have created a range of innovative and visually stunning films.

The Impact of Animation on the Nation

Animation in the United States has had a significant impact on the nation, both culturally and socially. It has been used to convey a wide range of values, beliefs, hopes, and fears, and has been a source of inspiration for many people. For example, The Lion King has been used to promote conservation and environmentalism, while Toy Story has been used to promote creativity and imagination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, animation has undergone significant changes and growth in Hollywood over the past thirty years, transforming it from a relatively marginal presence to a central part of the film industry and contemporary popular culture. This groundbreaking book offers an authoritative history of Hollywood animation since the 1990s, analyzing dozens of key films and examining the emergence of new genres and stylistic approaches, as well as the ongoing blurring of boundaries between animation and live-action. It explores how animation in the United States responds to and recapitulates the values, beliefs, hopes, and fears of the nation, providing a valuable insight into the cultural and social impact of this art form.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474410564