Production and Outcomes - Interpretation.
Over time, illustrators, filmmakers and all visual communicators have heightened the meaning or message in their work by taking from and feeding the “zeitgeist” of that period. This means the spirit of the time, whatever was culturally prevalent and ongoing in any period or place greatly contributes to the look of that era. This is partly how we can connect things to these times or places, and they become more relevant in our minds. It’s easier to identify visually with things going on around us now, rather than maybe art from 100 years ago, because we are living in it.
Though not too old, an example I have chosen to show this idea is The Last Unicorn by Peter. S. Beagle. First published in 1968, this fantasy novel’s first covers lent largely from old medieval tapestries depicting unicorns, as well as classic Tenniel and Dulac style fairytale illustrations from books earlier in the century. This gave resonance at the time and an ethereal sense of grandeur.
Then an animated movie was made during the 70s and released in 1982. This was a swirly, colourful affair, clearly inspired by the rock'n'roll and drug movements of the previous years. It had also taken from Disney movies from the 50’s, such as Alice in Wonderland and Sleeping Beauty, where things were getting more vibrant and painterly.
Although the animated movie is very dark, as is the original, it was much more pretty and fairytale-like than the 2010 comic book series and graphic novel. This saw the last unicorn updated to a much more modern young audience. A dark, sinister air was prevelent in the sleek, graphic artwork, and an almost lord of the rings-esque fantasy style was notable. This ties in with how this decade has seen a lot of succesful dark, almost gothic, epic adventure sagas becoming huge successes in pop culture, such as Harry Potter.
Although all are equally befitting to the source material, it is interesting to see how different styles of interpretations have originated from different time periods.
Though not too old, an example I have chosen to show this idea is The Last Unicorn by Peter. S. Beagle. First published in 1968, this fantasy novel’s first covers lent largely from old medieval tapestries depicting unicorns, as well as classic Tenniel and Dulac style fairytale illustrations from books earlier in the century. This gave resonance at the time and an ethereal sense of grandeur.
Then an animated movie was made during the 70s and released in 1982. This was a swirly, colourful affair, clearly inspired by the rock'n'roll and drug movements of the previous years. It had also taken from Disney movies from the 50’s, such as Alice in Wonderland and Sleeping Beauty, where things were getting more vibrant and painterly.
Although the animated movie is very dark, as is the original, it was much more pretty and fairytale-like than the 2010 comic book series and graphic novel. This saw the last unicorn updated to a much more modern young audience. A dark, sinister air was prevelent in the sleek, graphic artwork, and an almost lord of the rings-esque fantasy style was notable. This ties in with how this decade has seen a lot of succesful dark, almost gothic, epic adventure sagas becoming huge successes in pop culture, such as Harry Potter.
Although all are equally befitting to the source material, it is interesting to see how different styles of interpretations have originated from different time periods.
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