Description
The Animated Bestiary critically evaluates the depiction of animals in cartoons and animation more generally. Paul Wells argues that artists use animals to engage with issues that would be more difficult to address directly because of political, religious, or social taboos. Consequently, and principally through anthropomorphism, animation uses animals to play out a performance of gender, sex and sexuality, racial and national traits, and shifting identity, often challenging how we think about ourselves.
Wells draws on a wide range of examples, from the original King Kongto Nick Park's Chicken Run to Disney cartoonsusuch as Tarzan, The Jungle Book, and Brother Bearuto reflect on people by looking at the ways in which they respond to animals in cartoons and films.
About the Author
Paul Wells is the director of animation in the Animation Academy at Loughborough University. He is the author of several books, including Animation and America(Rutgers University Press), Understanding Animation, and Fundamentals of Animation.
Reviews
Wells has proven himself to be a leading scholar of animation and has here produced a solid piece of scholarship that shows an incredible breadth of knowledge. -- Eric Smoodin * author of Regarding Frank Capra: Audience, Celebrity,and American Film Studies, *
Wells has proven himself to be a leading scholar of animation and has here produced a solid piece of scholarship that shows an incredible breadth of knowledge. -- Eric Smoodin * author of Regarding Frank Capra: Audience, Celebrity,and American Film Studies, *
Book Information
ISBN 9780813544151
Author Paul Wells
Format Paperback
Page Count 236
Imprint Rutgers University Press
Publisher Rutgers University Press
Weight(grams) 425g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 18mm
