Best animated picture during the oscars went to none other than Rango, the nickelodeon backed, western comedy. Why was it a success? Why did it win over the variety of other movies, especially when Hugo left with more awards than it did. And would it have passed my critical eye?
Yes.
Yes it would.
Rango's charm comes from three locations: Design, Characters, and References.
Like many successful animated movies the design is unique, and yet a recognizable. Every character can be recognized by their silhouette, and in many cases only bear a slight resemblance to the species they represent. Despite this the coloring and texturing is extremely realistic. It is almost as if they took cartoon characters and put them into the real world.
Characters are another reason why it won. Johnny Depp as Rango is just what a chameleon should be, someone who blends in to their environments, just as an actor does. None of the characters can be confused with the personality of the other.
And now for the part that makes it accessible to adults. The constant western references, especially with Clint Eastwood, adds another level to the movie that only veterans of the western genre will get.
And those three reasons are why Rango won.
The animated short that won the oscar was another that we watched in class, the flying books... I would agree with the academy in their selections this year as well. The flying book short was a unique story with a lovely arc that left room for a continuous re-arcing, as with a new person taking over the role of caring for the books as the last one dies. As far as Rango goes, it just proves that hollywood still loves a western.
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