Del Toro's decision to use stop-motion for his first animated picture was an obvious and ideal one given his lifetime dedication to making the things of his mind become tangible realities. His "Pinocchio" embodies the story about imperfect fathers and sons.
This animated adaptation of Carlo Collodi's 19th-century fable, was written by del Toro and co-screenwriter Patrick McHale. It is noticeably more serious in tone than previous animated versions, but no less stirring or disarming. It first transports the characters to the early 1900s, as the Great War wreaks havoc across Europe. Chipper woodworker Geppetto (David Bradley), who the townspeople see as "a model Italian citizen," lives in the tranquil countryside with his obedient 10-year-old son Carlo (Gregory Mann), who lives up to all of his father's standards.
Carlo is taken from Geppetto by a bomb shattering his previously idealistic perspective. Sebastian J. Cricket, a pretentious bug who recounts the tragedy and is spoken by the superbly cast Ewan McGregor, is initially solely interested in recounting his accomplishments. Years later, still overcome with grief and with Mussolini in charge, Geppetto creates a puppet out of a pine tree near Carlo's grave in a drunken fit.
The Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton), a fresh interpretation of the Blue Fairy who resembles an angel as recounted in the Old Testament awakens Pinocchio (Gregory Mann). This winged figure and the seductive chimera that later in the narrative stands in for Death (also Swinton) serve as examples of del Toro's fascination with the supernatural forces that shape mortals' paths on earth. Including his own unique view of the afterlife.
Sebastian is given Pinocchio's moral instruction in exchange for a wish from the fantastical do-gooder, who explains that in this world, you only get what you give. Del Toro and McHale promote the wisdom of accepting responsibility for previous transgressions. This is because our lives are composed of both failures and successes.
One cannot but be in awe of the exquisite care that has gone into creating the characters that populate this darkly whimsical world. Geppetto's features, including every hair on his head, every crevice in his aged hands, and the fabric of his clothing, are all unique. Without clothing, with the natural flaws of genuine wood, and with a mischievously cute face and an explosive haircut, Pinocchio's design has a primal vibe to it.
This portrayal of the character on screen is the most accurate. Despite Pinocchio's innocence, he has an abrasive side to him that accurately mirrors the less desirable traits of children's conduct. Given that Catholic churchgoers consider it to be sorcery, Geppetto is not only slow to accept his new child. Yet, he also intends to shape him into the person that Carlo was. However, Pinocchio, was born without the human condition's habitations. He merely complies with the standards in order to get his father's approval.
Personal connections are used to examine fascism, a perilous philosophy that demands obedient submission while demeaning individuality. All the fathers in "Pinocchio" participate in its perverse dynamic of control by refusing to accept their sons for who they are rather than who they wish them to be.
Despite its criticism of Catholicism, del Toro and Gustafson's "Pinocchio" is still a powerfully moving spiritual journey. Its focus is on the tangible, in what we can see and feel, in the present moment. This speaks to the idea that our fleeting existence isn't measured in perfect deeds but rather in the priceless glimpses of the divine we carve from the rubble left behind by individual and societal tragedies. We refuel our desire to continue despite the sorrow that comes with our limitations as flesh and blood.
A lesson on why mortality is both a curse and a blessing is eventually imparted to Pinocchio, who is temporarily incapable of dying. Swinton brings the Wood Sprite and Death to life, while Mann provides the voices for Carlo and Pinocchio, indicating a clear dualism concerning what was but is no more, and what wasn't but now exists. Two sides of the same coin serve as a reminder that loving is a hardship worth bearing, living is an ordeal worth dying for, and we can find pockets of happiness with people who think and act like us.
"Pinocchio," is a wonderfully moving work, from del Toro. A lot of heavy themes are covered in this film very well. Every detail is thought about and considered. It may be a darker turn on this classic story, yet it works so well. If you are a fan of del Toro, you are going to enjoy his latest film.
Performance | 4.6/5 |
Enjoyment | 4.7/5 |
Overall Rating | 4.6/5 |