The Academy Awards have included the Best Animated Feature category since Shrek won the first award in 2002. However, the Oscars have not always recognized the full range of animated films released each year. Major studios like Pixar and Walt Disney Animation often dominate this category.
The winners are usually films that can be described as family-friendly entertainment. While some of these movies, like The Incredibles and Zootopia, are excellent, it is disappointing that animation is often treated as a “genre” instead of a “medium.”
Many people believe that animation is just for children. However, animation is a form of storytelling that can show many themes, including deep and emotional subjects. It is refreshing to see that Memoir of a Snail has been nominated for Best Animated Feature this year.
This nomination is important because Memoir of a Snail is only the second R-rated film to be recognized in this category. The last time an R-rated animated film was nominated was in 2016, when Charlie Kaufman’s stop-motion film Anomalisa lost to Inside Out.
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What Is Memoir of a Snail About?
Memoir of a Snail is a stop-motion animated film inspired by the life of writer and director Max Elliot. He had previously received praise for his first feature film, Mary & Max. This new film tells the story of an Australian girl named Grace Pudel, voiced by Sarah Snook. The film follows Grace as she looks back on her childhood while living as an elderly woman.
Grace’s childhood was filled with sadness and hardships. She was very close to her twin brother, Gilbert, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee. However, after their father Percy, voiced by Dominique Pinon, passed away, Grace and Gilbert were separated. Grace was sent to live in Canberra with her adoptive parents, Ian and Narelle, voiced by Paul Capsis. This sudden change in her life caused her to struggle with depression.
Despite these challenges, Grace’s life begins to change when she meets an elderly woman named Pinky, played by Jacki Weaver. Pinky has experienced many losses and difficulties, yet she remains cheerful and finds happiness in different activities.
Her positive attitude gives Grace hope and helps her start forming meaningful relationships again. However, Grace faces another painful moment when Pinky begins to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
The Artistry Behind Memoir of a Snail
The film’s stop-motion animation is incredibly detailed. Every scene, character, and object is carefully crafted. Stop-motion is a difficult and time-consuming process that requires a dedicated team of animators. The amount of effort put into creating Memoir of a Snail is remarkable. However, what makes the film truly special is its emotional and meaningful story.
The movie is told from Grace’s point of view, and this affects how events are presented. Some characters and scenes appear exaggerated or stylized, showing how Grace remembers them. This makes the film visually unique and emotionally powerful. Grace’s story also highlights the struggles of living with depression.
The film does not treat depression as something that can simply be “fixed.” Instead, it shows that mental health struggles can last a lifetime. Grace learns that she must find ways to live with her emotions, even if they never completely go away. While this message may not fit Hollywood’s usual idea of a happy ending, it is honest and relatable.
Why Memoir of a Snail Matters for Adult Animation
Animation is often seen as a tool for telling fun and lighthearted stories. Many well-known animated films are aimed at children and families. However, Memoir of a Snail proves that animation can be used to tell serious, mature, and emotional stories.
There have been R-rated animated films in the past, such as South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut and Team America: World Police. These movies use animation for comedy and social satire. However, Memoir of a Snail takes a different approach. Instead of using humor, the film focuses on real-life struggles like grief, depression, and trauma.
The film does not try to soften its subject matter. Instead, it presents these themes in a way that is both realistic and visually creative. The animation allows the audience to see Grace’s emotions in a unique and artistic way.
This film’s nomination at the Academy Awards is important for the future of animation. It shows that animated films do not have to follow a specific formula to be recognized. Memoir of a Snail contains mature language and sexual content, making it different from most animated films that are nominated for Oscars.
Hollywood often prefers animated films that can appeal to large audiences, especially families. Movies like Inside Out 2 are designed to be big hits, while smaller, more personal films like Memoir of a Snail have a harder time gaining attention. However, its nomination proves that there is room for animated films that take risks and show new ideas.
Encouraging More Unique Animated Films
The nomination of Memoir of a Snail could inspire more filmmakers to experiment with animation. Many animators have great ideas for films that do not fit the usual style of mainstream animation. However, studios often hesitate to invest in projects that seem too different or risky.
If Memoir of a Snail gains more recognition, it may encourage studios to support more diverse and unique animated films.
More animated films should be made for adult audiences. Stories like Memoir of a Snail prove that animation is not limited to any one type of story. The film’s deep and emotional themes show that animation can be as powerful as live-action movies.
Max Elliot’s work on this film demonstrates that animation can capture complex emotions in ways that live-action films sometimes cannot. The film’s stop-motion style adds to its charm and emotional impact. Even though it may not become a major box office hit, its influence on the animation industry could be significant.
Where to Watch Memoir of a Snail
For those interested in watching Memoir of a Snail, the film is available on AMC+. It is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates animation as an art form. The film delivers a touching and realistic story about life, loss, and mental health.
This nomination is a step in the right direction for the animation industry. More animated films should be recognized for their creativity and storytelling, regardless of whether they are aimed at children or adults. Memoir of a Snail proves that animation is a medium that can be used to tell all kinds of stories.
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