Pulling a Rabbit Out of a Hat: The Making of Roger Rabbit

Who Framed Roger Rabbit was a costly and contentious film that was created by Disney to rekindle public interest in animation. It seamlessly merged live action and animation, and its humor continues to appeal to viewers today. The film's marketing campaign led viewers to believe that it was solely created by director Bob Zemeckis, director of animation Dick Williams, and the visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic, but many Disney animators contributed to the project.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 30 March 2019
\n Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
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Who Framed Roger Rabbit, a groundbreaking film that emerged at a pivotal moment in history, combines the realms of people, technology, and culture in a truly momentous way. In the 1980s, animation seemed to be on the brink of extinction, with even the mighty Walt Disney Company struggling to reverse the decline. Disney recognized the need to revitalize popular interest in animation and embarked on a mission to create a distinctive film that would usher in a new era of Disney Renaissance.

That film was none other than Who Framed Roger Rabbit, an expensive and controversial masterpiece that defied expectations and captivated audiences upon its debut in 1988. Unique in its concept of cartoons coexisting with the real world, Who Framed Roger Rabbit seamlessly blended live-action and animation, delivering a humor that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

Disney's marketing strategy for the film played a crucial role in creating the illusion that it was solely the work of director Bob Zemeckis, director of animation Dick Williams, and the visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic. However, the truth was more complex, as many Disney animators contributed to the project. Author Ross Anderson embarked on a remarkable journey to uncover the story behind the creation of this magical film. He conducted extensive interviews with over 140 artists, delving into the intricate details of how they brought the Roger Rabbit characters to life.

Anderson's book provides a comprehensive account of the characters' usage in film shorts, commercials, and merchandising, showcasing their enduring cultural impact. The Roger Rabbit characters have become iconic figures, beloved by generations and referenced in various forms of media. Their enduring popularity serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of animation and the creative brilliance of those who brought them to life.

In conclusion, Who Framed Roger Rabbit stands as a landmark film that transcends the boundaries of imagination and technology. Its historical significance, cultural impact, and artistic brilliance make it a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of animation. By blending live-action and animation in a way that had never been done before, the film paved the way for a new era of Disney Renaissance and continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

\n Weight: 570g\n
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781496822338\n \n