THE JUNGLE BOOK: LIVE ACTION vs ANIMATED
March, 12 2018
Disney has been keen to develop several live action movies with the most recent Christopher Robin trailer revealed. But this isn't the first time Disney has attempt to animate creatures. It all started first with Jungle Book. The first attempt of a live action Jungle Book by Disney was in 1994, but I will only be comparing the 2016 and the animated feature.
Following the trend of increased CGI usage, Jungle Book contained the most characters in CGI with the only human, Mowgli. Visually, the world is completely stunning. The vivid, crisp texture of the forest and the animal's fur looking smooth and silky. This is the most pleasing part of the film.
With the original was the last feature film to have Walt Disney involvement. It stuck with the Disney original style of animation, with the use of hand-painted backgrounds and referred to live action footage to animate the animals' movements. Favreau's version also did their research very clearly. The balance between the animals' movements and talking is successful with its natural, subtle feel. Check out how the animation in Jungle Book (2016) brings the animals to life.
Disney has been keen to develop several live action movies with the most recent Christopher Robin trailer revealed. But this isn't the first time Disney has attempt to animate creatures. It all started first with Jungle Book. The first attempt of a live action Jungle Book by Disney was in 1994, but I will only be comparing the 2016 and the animated feature.
Following the trend of increased CGI usage, Jungle Book contained the most characters in CGI with the only human, Mowgli. Visually, the world is completely stunning. The vivid, crisp texture of the forest and the animal's fur looking smooth and silky. This is the most pleasing part of the film.
With the original was the last feature film to have Walt Disney involvement. It stuck with the Disney original style of animation, with the use of hand-painted backgrounds and referred to live action footage to animate the animals' movements. Favreau's version also did their research very clearly. The balance between the animals' movements and talking is successful with its natural, subtle feel. Check out how the animation in Jungle Book (2016) brings the animals to life.
However, the way the songs inserted were slightly off-putting and strangely placed. I am not expecting the monkeys to be all swinging and singing. But King Louie citing lines from I Wan'na Be Like You felt very forced. The flow felt very unnatural and lacked rhythm.
It feels like it was just to please fans that the songs were included. A rehashed version to attempt to fit the context of the script. Louis Prima's original take on the King is by far the best out of all adaptations.
Yet with this version of the ending, Mowgli stays in the jungle to stand by himself, but the film loses its bittersweet ending of Mowgli going back to the village leaving behind his jungle adventures.
The film was successful enough to get a sequel issued. Yet this is being delayed as director Jon Favreau will also be shooting Lion King, Mowgli set to return to the role. However, it is questionable what the sequel will hold. Without a doubt, it will be visually beautiful. But will the plot be as well done as this version?