First, let me state that I am an unabashed Ralph Bakshi fan. If you are at all interested in animation, and the history of animation, you will find Bakshi a seminal figure. He broke a lot of ground that modern film-makers tend to take as given, such as using live actors and animating 'over' them (see his {outstanding but frustratingly incomplete} treatment of "Lord of the Rings").
I first saw this film in its original theatrical release while I was in college (yes, it's been a while), and when I found it as a remaindered VHS at a local video store, I jumped at the chance to own a copy.
Yes, Bakshi fictionalised a lot of the popular music of the 20th Century, and (to my mind, at least) took especial liberties with the late 1960s. Nonetheless, his treatment of each musical era caught the proper feel, the zeitgeist, if you will, and his animation work was nothing short of pioneering.
Modern animation is mind-boggling. Hollywood has almost eliminated the need for live actors. If you want to experience the foundation for today's synthetic cinematography, then you owe it to yourself to experience Bakshi's work. View "Wizards." View his "Lord of the Rings," if you can find it. View this film. Find copies of the "Mighty Mouse" cartoons that he did in the early '90s. And appreciate the Art. You'll be astounded.
I first saw this film in its original theatrical release while I was in college (yes, it's been a while), and when I found it as a remaindered VHS at a local video store, I jumped at the chance to own a copy.
Yes, Bakshi fictionalised a lot of the popular music of the 20th Century, and (to my mind, at least) took especial liberties with the late 1960s. Nonetheless, his treatment of each musical era caught the proper feel, the zeitgeist, if you will, and his animation work was nothing short of pioneering.
Modern animation is mind-boggling. Hollywood has almost eliminated the need for live actors. If you want to experience the foundation for today's synthetic cinematography, then you owe it to yourself to experience Bakshi's work. View "Wizards." View his "Lord of the Rings," if you can find it. View this film. Find copies of the "Mighty Mouse" cartoons that he did in the early '90s. And appreciate the Art. You'll be astounded.