"Well what's funny is, again, people say they believed what was going on, but again, Bob's hands are about three times bigger than his feet. So these are very caricatured"
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This quote by Brad Bird, a distinguished director and animator, likely refers to the overstated nature of animated characters and the suspension of shock that audiences practice while viewing animated films or television shows. The reference to "Bob" could be a character from one of Bird's jobs, such as "The Incredibles", where the protagonist is named Bob Parr (likewise called Mr. Unbelievable).
The quote highlights a basic element of animation: exaggeration and caricature. In animation, characters are typically designed with overstated functions to amplify their personalities and make them more visually interesting and unique. For example, having hands "three times larger than his feet" is not anatomically sensible, but it serves a purpose in the animated world. This exaggeration can improve the character's abilities, traits, or comical effect, making them more memorable and appealing for the audience.
Brad Bird explains the paradox in audience understanding: individuals acknowledge the unrealistic aspects of animation, yet they still discover themselves engrossed in the story. This speaks to the power of animation and storytelling; audiences are willing to accept these exaggerations due to the fact that the story, world-building, and emotional reality resonate on a much deeper level.
Making use of caricature in animation likewise allows for imaginative freedom and expression. By manipulating percentages and functions, animators can convey specific feelings, actions, or styles better than in practical representation. In this sense, Bird is celebrating the art kind's capability to go beyond truth and produce a credible world through creative design.
In summary, Brad Bird's quote underlines the magic of animation: in spite of blatant exaggerations, such as disproportionately large hands, audiences are mesmerized by the story and characters, showing the art form's distinct mix of creativity and believability.
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