By: Angelita Lee
When a new Live-Action adaptation graced our screens, I used to wonder how real life could measure the brilliance of the original film. With the flexibility and limitless scope of animation, many look forward to seeing how creators can recreate the story, whether through modern technology or by seeing if their favorite real-life actors made the cut. From daydreaming about its release to glancing with skepticism. Many viewers like myself ask how a company that created the original could release a movie that diminished the qualities that made it a masterpiece in the first place.
Despite my abhorrence towards live-action adaptations, I do acknowledge that some works are worth revisiting. A great example would be Disney’s Cinderella (2015), which was the first princess-themed live-action film made in the 2010s.
The reason as to why this film was able to be a league of its own compared to the other princess-themed adaptations was because it presented itself as a stand-alone film that felt natural, nostalgic, and passionate. Compared to the other films that felt more like an opportunity for corporations to sell more toys and gain more money than actually making it for the love of the story. They highlighted why Cinderella became popular in the first place; it revisited her kindness despite being tormented and made it a virtue for kids to learn about. Notable films like Maleficent(20114) and Cruella(2021) also succeeded because they revolved around the perspectives of the villains rather than the usual protagonists in the animated films. They didn’t do scene-by-scene recreation and instead dove deeper into the characters’ personalities, struggles, and reasons as to why they are described as the villain from the people’s eyes.
Unfortunately, these successes have become the exception rather than the rule.
As time went on, I’ve noticed that recent adaptations have hit a wall. It’s either preserving each iconic moment in the film and modernizing to fit the recent times, or jumping over the wall and creating an entirely new story. Unfortunately, the majority of the producers tend to stay behind the wall and create an adaptation that doesn’t feel faithful to the original, therefore reducing its storyline for an easy buck.
What makes it disappointing is that many tend to look down on what animation can achieve. That it is labelled as something for “kids” to enjoy, that those who watch animated films do not have the palate to enjoy realism. What many tend to overlook is that animation is more than just art in frames; it focuses on imagination, vibrancy, and fluidity that cannot be found in live-action remakes. This is one of the reasons as to what live action remakes fail to replicate, they forget to capture its magic.
Live action, in comparison, follows a set of rules that is structured in real life; therefore, they expect the natural laws of physics to apply to the characters. Seeing them defy that in adaptations feels uncanny and awkward. However, when it is done in animation, it results in awe and praise. Compliments because of its innovation and creativity. Which is why I’m a firm believer that some films and series should belong in animation.
My stance on the matter is that live-action adaptations are a recurring theme in the industry because of their familiarity with their existing fanbase. Multi-billion dollar corporations continue to produce remake after remake so that they can capitalize on the profit and have a guaranteed audience when the film hits the theatres and streaming sites. Producing an original film carries the risk of a hit not performing well, while existing works can bring in new fans and merchandise opportunities without breaking the bank. From a business perspective, adapting an existing film is a safer investment than introducing a whole new idea to the masses.
While this approach can generate short-term profits, I believe that this tactic also encourages creative stagnation. Instead of putting resources into aspiring animators with fresh new perspectives on different concepts, it is then placed into an existing avenue. So the remake gets made and in turn multiple viewers tend to also watch the original film, mostly to critique their differences and determine who produced the better output.
The existence of a remake tends to send a message that a successful animated movie or series requires validation through an adaptation. Animated films have repeatedly shown their capabilities throughout the decade in delivering the most emotional, gut-wrenching, in-depth concepts paired with craft that is beyond what any human can describe. I can say for certain that there are multiple films that tackle heavy topics without dumbing down their concepts for younger audiences. They remind us of virtues like generosity, independence, resilience, and even love.
Animation has never been a stepping stone to real filmmaking. It already is, and until the industry recognizes its strength and capabilities. Many viewers will wonder why so many live-action remakes can look the part, yet somehow lose the plot.
