Coraline does not closely follow the book, but children will enjoy it nonetheless. (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
Button eyes, acrobatic mice, and a terrifying “other mother” are all in director Henry Selick’s new film “Coraline,” an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s dark children’s novel.
The film is shown in the returning trend of 3D, which is the way I recommended seeing it.
All the intricate goings on in the film, such as the other mother’s curling mechanical fingers or the popping out of things from behind corners is better enjoyed with the glasses.
The cast is interesting too, with Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman (the PC guy from the Mac/PC commercials) and Dakota Fanning in the title role.
Hatcher is perfect as the deceptively sweet beldam whose gifts and praise are a guise for keeping the young child’s soul in a world of her creation.
British comedy powerhouses Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders have great roles as the two “actresses” who live below Coraline and her parents.
Famous Indie child-friendly rock band They Might Be Giants did music for the film, along with original score by French composer Bruno Coulais.
Gaiman is known for his dark, complex, warped fairytale like storytelling and uniquely macabre visions. He is the author of many graphic novels, and books for adults and children.
In 2007 his book “Stardust” was made into a live action film, starring Claire Danes, Robert DeNiro, Ian Mckellen, and many other big name players. Its popularity didn’t soar far beyond Gaiman’s followers though.
“Coraline’s unique blend of kiddie friendliness and avant garde animation reaches beyond fans of Gaiman’s work.
“Coraline” does not strictly follow the book, which is to the film’s credit. To make the film too much like this book would make it inaccessible to young audiences because it is genuinely disturbing.
The mice for example in the film are jumpy and cute, while in the book they have a sinister song they sing that gives them a much creepier image.
Even as an adult, reading the book was pretty disturbing to me because the characters all had a more realistic feel. The film made light of the more disturbing aspects of the characters, and focused instead on the fantastical.
Because it was in 3D made it a bit more light-hearted as well. Focusing on the things jumping and popping out distracts from the morbid content of the story.
Although, a large Russian acrobat doing flips in your face is a little startling.
All in all I give Coraline the thumbs up, and recommend it to kids and adults.
