I’d like nothing better than to see animation utilized as a serious storytelling method in the 21st century. Animation can be every bit as emotionally resonant and groundbreaking as anything filmed in live action; the challenge right now is only in getting it recognized as a legitimate stylistic choice. The automatic assumption in Hollywood — and, indeed, in most filmmaking circles — is that a story should always be told through live actors, and that animation need only be utilized when you have a story that deals with incredible flights of fancy (like fantasy or sci-fi) or wisecracking social commentary. We need to address the discriminatory attitudes toward animation that are still prevalent in the movie industry. In a medium where literally ANYTHING is possible, why aren’t there more opportunities for animation to spread its wings?
