BRADENTON FL- There have long been debates regarding which movie is best, some argue classics, some modern ‘masterpieces’ and some nostalgia filled animations. They are all wrong. “What do they lack?” I hear my audience of crickets ask, but the answer is simple: an over-sized flea with a melodic voice singing a duet with a girl in an angel costume. Now what movie contains this cinematic prerequisite? A Monster in Paris. What? You’ve never heard of A Monster in Paris? Allow me to introduce you.
Who is she?
A Monster in Paris is a 2011 animated musical directed by Bibo Bergeron. It was released originally in France and produced by 13 different companies. It has a runtime of 90 minutes and had a budget of $32 million. Now that you’ve met this filmic feat let’s get to why it exceeds the others.
Visuals
The movie is objectively beautifully animated. It doesn’t hurt that it takes place in Paris, a city known for being beautiful and scenic, but the animation style, as well as color choice, not only does the location justice, but adds an effect only possible in animation. The contrast of blues and purples for the night sky, and our protagonists dressed in white, place the characters in their well-deserved spotlight and make the movie quite easy on the eyes.
Music
Due to this film being largely a musical, the soundtrack is undoubtably important. Though originally in French, each song is translated in a way that allows the rhythm and meaning to remain. The songs are catchy, beautiful and well written as well as performed. Overall, the music within the movie adds to the plot and also could make it to a Spotify playlist.
Plot and Theme
The plot is frankly a tad outlandish, but no one was promising nonfiction. The plot is an interesting blend of unlikely romance and tense close calls. The director himself stated that it is based on the Disney hit “Beauty and the Beast” and popular musical “The Phantom of the Opera” and it shows in the best way. It explores themes of tolerance and love in an easy-to-digest way for children but a beautifully complex way for adults forced to view it. It has a good message and a smooth delivery.
