The evolution of animation on our screens in the last 20 years alone is mesmerising. Have you seen Toy Story 1 compared to Toy Story 4?! Not even in the same universe of quality!
Growing up, like every kid I loved animation. My dad introduced me to films, but the one that forever sticks out for us both is Wallace and Gromit. The first thing I did when I found out Aardman are creating a new one for 2024 was ring my old dad haha, we were ecstatic! Nostaligia is one of the most heartwarming but heartbreaking emotions we feel as humans, the longing for times we want to return to. My dad and i used to watch Wallace and Gromit all the time, now we are lucky to get it in once a year, however this makes each viewing even more special.
I think the most astounding change to animation is most present in Disney films. Look at Soul (2020), a groundbreaking release getting children to think about the meaning of life!! Similar to Inside Out (2015), creators are getting philosophical on screen. Inside Out's main focus is mental health, how each emotion is valid which are represented through animated people. The plot point in the beginning of the film is that Joy is the most important emotion, that we must ALWAYS feel happy. We all known that isn't possible, or healthy, which is what this film tells us, that its okay to be sad, angry... What a fantastic lesson to teach on screen, and through animation the target audience is reached in an engaging way.
Disney animation has come far since its early days. Once upon a time princess's relied on a prince to come save them in fairytales like Snow White and Cinderella. Now, the princess saves herself in films like Frozen. Encanto (2021) features a strong, muscular woman who was demanded to be made into merchnaside by children all over the world.
Keep an eye on an announcement coming soon about The Art of Animation event taking place at Falmouth Art Gallery this year!