Tyler's Takes: How 'Coraline' Possessed 2009

2009 marked a stunning turn of events in the animation industry. It was a year when Pixar was on a hot streak unlike anything else, and Disney was moving on from a decade of experimental ho-hum, stop-motion reigned supreme. Yes, The Mouse House endured a solid year with one film having the most emotional opening stretch minutes ever in Pixar’s Up, while also venturing back into traditional animation with The Princess and the Frog. but neither of those works approached the status of the actual best-animated film of the year: Coraline. Henry Selick’s first fully animated movie since his 1993 hit The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline distinguishes itself through its innovative use of stop-motion animation, its exploration of complex themes, and its ability to create a world that is both enchanting and unsettling. Even now at fifteen years old, it holds up as one of the most daunting efforts in the stop-motion subgenre of animation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Coraline is its use of stop-motion animation, a technique that has become rare in the era of CGI. The film’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every frame, with each character and set piece crafted by hand. This labor-intensive process results in a tactile, tangible world that feels alive in a way that CGI often cannot replicate. Stop-motion allows Coraline to create a visual aesthetic that is both whimsical and eerie. The film’s world is richly textured, from the vibrant colors of the Other World to the muted, drab tones of Coraline’s natural world. The animation brings Neil Gaiman’s story to life with a unique charm that could not be achieved through traditional or digital animation techniques. The characters' physicality and the sets they inhabit add depth and realism to the story's fantastical elements, making the otherworldly feel tangible and sometimes unsettling.

Coraline is a film that does not shy away from exploring dark and complex themes, making it a bold choice for an animated movie. At its core, the film is a modern-day fairy tale, complete with a brave heroine, a magical world, and a sinister villain. However, unlike traditional fairy tales, Coraline delves into themes of identity, autonomy, and the dangers of escapism. The story follows Coraline Jones, a young girl who discovers a hidden door in her new home, leading to an alternate version of her life. This Other World initially appears to be a perfect version of her reality, with attentive parents, delicious food, and endless entertainment. However, as Coraline spends more time in the Other World, she realizes it is a trap controlled by the vicious Other Mother who wants to keep her there forever. The film’s narrative powerfully explores the allure of escapism and its dangers. 

Coraline’s journey is one of self-discovery as she learns to appreciate her real life and flaws. She recognizes the importance of facing her problems rather than escaping them. The Other World is a metaphor for the seductive but ultimately hollow promise of an idealized reality, where everything appears perfect on the surface but hides a dark and sinister truth.

Coraline also explores the theme of autonomy, particularly with children and their relationships with adults. The Other Mother represents a controlling and possessive force that seeks to dominate and manipulate Coraline under the guise of love and care. Coraline’s struggle to assert her independence and make her own choices is a central aspect of the film, highlighting the importance of personal agency and the right to define one’s identity. One of the most compelling aspects of Coraline is its ability to create a world that is both enchanting and unsettling. The film’s visual style blends the whimsical and the macabre, drawing viewers into a world that is at once inviting and dangerous.

This duality is central to the film’s appeal, as it captures the tension between the allure of the Other World and the underlying sense of dread that permeates the story. The Other World, with its vibrant colors, imaginative designs, and seemingly perfect inhabitants, is initially presented as a dreamlike escape from Coraline’s mundane life. The attention to detail in the animation, from the lush garden to the elaborate circus performances, creates a sense of wonder and magic.

However, as the story progresses, the true nature of the Other World is revealed. The grotesquerie the Other World inhabitants take on as Coraline uncovers the world’s true intentions is enough to make audiences squirm, and the once beautiful environment becomes increasingly distorted and menacing. Through the distortion of the Other World, the movie takes a drastic dark tone that some viewers could find too dark for children.

In a year that saw the release of several critically acclaimed animated films, including Pixar’s Up and Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, Coraline emerged as a standout due to its unique visual style, compelling narrative, and willingness to explore darker themes. While Up is celebrated for its emotional depth and Fantastic Mr. Fox for its quirky charm, Coraline blends these elements while maintaining its distinct identity as a dark fantasy. Its ability to create a charming and disturbing world while exploring themes of identity, autonomy, and the dangers of escapism sets it apart from other animated films of its time. Its legacy continues to influence the world of animation, making it a true masterpiece in stop-motion.

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