Saturday, February 7, 2009

Henry Selick


I'm back, with a new computer, and new modem, and a new sense of care when it comes to computers. Hopefully that will be the last time my computer bites the dust.

Last night after work, Steph and I took in a movie that we've been anticipating for a long, long time. "Coraline" is a movie shot in stop motion animation, just like "Nightmare before Christmas." In fact, Henry Selick, the director of "Nightmare" directed Coraline.

Don't beat me up for saying this. I know a lot of you are huge Tim Burton fans (as am I), but I consider Selick the true genius behind Nightmare before Christmas. I do love the story of Nightmare, but what really draws me in is the vivid characters brought to life by Selick, not Burton. His style encompasses everything that I, and probably a lot of you, would love to be as an artist. I think there are many parallels between what we do in our artistic community, and what people like Selick do in theirs. Basically, movies like "Coraline," and Nightmare Before Christmas" are folk art sculptures brought to life, frame by frame. To me this is mind blowing and fascinating.

"Mind blown" doesn't begin to describe how I feel about "Coraline." This movie is amazing in every aspect, and I cannot wait to see it again, and again. Please do yourself a favor and see this movie. Let it inspire you.




9 comments:

Jennifer MacNeill said...

I want to see this movie so bad!!
Just read the book a few weeks ago and loved it.
Thanks for the recommendation.

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

I watched a trailer of Coraline this week--and was blown away by the artistry and quality.

Unknown said...

Welcome Back Lance,

I totally agree with your thoughts about Selick. I am glad your back online. Want to see that movie also....so excited...

Smiles,

Sonia ;)

Chicken Lips said...

Thanks for the review. I've seen the trailer and it looks right up my alley! And yes, Selick is a visionary genius. Although Selick did an amazing job directing Nightmare, it was Tim Burton who illustrated all the original character designs that made that movie so memorable (I'm sorry...I gotta stick up for my hero!) :)

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

I'm thrilled to hear you liked it so well Lance. It is on my list to go see this month!!
Laurie

Lisa Gatz said...

Hey Lance, how are you doing? I can't wait to see the movie.

Janell Berryman Pumpkinseeds folk art said...

Glad you are back!
Seeing Coraline is on my list of things to do this coming weekend. Thanks for sharing~~~I can't wait!!!

The Studio at Crow Haven Farm, LLC said...

I can't wait to see this movie. Thanks so much for posting this review. The picture you have posted reminds me of artwork by KriSoft. I'm looking forward to seeing your update on STJ! Have a great weekend and see you soon!
Cheers!

HowlingMoonDesigns said...

Going to see it this weekend Lance, and I can't wait! I do love everything about "Nightmare" :)
Candy