Animated Epics: Moby Dick (2000)

Animated Epics: Moby Dick Poster

Paint-on-glass animation of the classic novel.

Introduction
"Animated Epics: Moby Dick" is a short-animated adaptation of Herman Melville's timeless traditional "Moby Dick". The film was launched in 2000 and has handled to load the essence of a lengthy book into a compelling animation that lasts about half an hour. It uses a captivating and simplified analysis of the traditional tale of fixation and retribution, showing the steadfast spirit and decision of Captain Ahab. The film is produced by the British broadcasting company, Channel 4, well-known for their "Animated Epics" series.

Plot
The motion picture begins with Ishmael, the only survivor of the Pequod ship, stating the cooling story of Captain Ahab and his pursuit of the massive white whale, Moby Dick. Ishmael, an erstwhile teacher turned seafarer, signs up for a whaling expedition aboard the Pequod. Onboard, he befriends a Polynesian harpooner called Queequeg.

Captain Ahab, characterized by his pathological fixation with the legendary Moby Dick, just exposes himself days into the journey. The crew learns about the white whale responsible for the loss of Ahab's leg and the captain's obsessive desire for revenge. Ahab's monomania with chasing after Moby Dick eclipses all other aspects of the voyage, including its initial objective of searching for whales to gather their oil.

Ahab's Obsession and Consequences
Ahab pursues Moby Dick with unrelenting decision, despite various cautionary signs and numerous unsafe encounters with the giant sea creature. The ship's first mate, Starbuck, opposes Ahab's obsession, fearing it will lead the crew to destruction, however his issues are mostly dismissed.

Ahab's fascination ultimately leads to a series of tragic events, consisting of the loss of team members and the ultimate sinking of the Pequod. In the final conflict between Ahab and Moby Dick, Ahab satisfies his end, dragged down to the depths by the really animal he looked for to kill. The only survivor is Ishmael, who lives to state the grim tale.

Creative Style
"Animated Epics: Moby Dick" employs an unique artistic style, selecting a less refined and polished outlook. The movie utilizes broad, practically brush-like strokes, and an extreme chromatic style to match the narrative's epic and dramatic nature. This animation style offers an atmospheric atmosphere that suits Melville's original story's strength and vastness.

Conclusion
Overall, the 2000 movie "Animated Epics: Moby Dick" offers a reliable recount of Melville's classic. In spite of being condensed into a 30-minute animation, the movie retains the tragedy and drama of the original story, highlighting the devastating nature of fascination and revenge. While the animation style might seem stark and elegant to some, it eventually shows reliable in interacting the impressive saga and tragedy of Captain Ahab's monomaniacal fixation with Moby Dick. The character depiction, narrative shipment, and mood-setting colours and tones make this film a rewarding adjustment of the distinguished literary piece, particularly for audiences who prefer an animated, concise variation of the lengthy novel.

Top Cast

  • Tim Guinee (small)
    Tim Guinee
    Ishmael (voice)
  • William Hootkins (small)
    William Hootkins
    Starbucks (voice)
  • William Hope (small)
    William Hope
    Peter Coffin / Flask (voice)
  • Hakeem Kae-Kazim (small)
    Hakeem Kae-Kazim
    Queequeg (voice)
  • Burt Kwouk (small)
    Burt Kwouk
    Fedallah (voice)
  • Kerry Shale (small)
    Kerry Shale
    Tashtego / Stubb (voice)
  • Rod Steiger (small)
    Rod Steiger
    Ahab (voice)