Derek Jackson

“People like repetition with variation:” insightful, and perhaps the most common attribute of modern popular culture trends. We listen to the same basic beats, watch or read the same basic plots, and greatly enjoy mod-ing our weapons on Battlefield.

Further, “historical fact” is, in itself, only factual because a historian once named it thus. Film is just another theoretical (though lucratively designed) interpretation of history. Perhaps some of the oldest stories we know, particularly those with religious basis, were deemed “historically inaccurate” in their time.

“Intentionally anachronistic” frames of mind can lead to the most convincing stories. When I am at home, perusing Netflix, I am looking for entertainment, plot and character development bar education. John’s notion that historical accuracy does not always make for the best story is, well, true. There is, of course, value in cultural and historical accuracy. It just is not always necessary.

I particularly like: “I remain unconvinced that any intelligent and discerning moviegoer would blindly accept period films as fact rather than fiction.” Congrats guys! We don’t all blindly believe everything told to us.

I was recently speaking with a friend who’s PhD research focuses on musicality in animation. I was struck by something she mentioned: the first thing that most animators design per character is their walk. Movement is key to personality, especially when paired with an often-present score. I would be interested to hear what this author has to say about the physical mannerisms, canter, and dancing that many of the above characters display. Like Daffy’s waddling, this ties in neatly with personality-building through design choice.