"Shrek" - An Assessment and Analysis About It`s Influence of Animation and The Trend of Fairy Tale Mockeries

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies. 

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

 

Before reading this entry, I want to make an important remark: For once I`m actually going to make a departure. While my blog was originally created to be centered only around Disney, I was originally planning to create another blog to discuss non-Disney related content. However, while trying to do so, I`ve figured out that it was a lot of work. 

So that`s why I decided to post my non-Disney content here and rename the blog to My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses. So that means that from now on, I`ll make entries related to other animation studios as well. And this entry will be an analytical assessment that will be more in depth of the subject. Instead of just discussing the movie itself, it will center more about it`s influence on the animation field.

 

The letter behind us demonstrates how great this fairy tale is :)

 

 

I know that I don`t look scary,
but this was my best shot :)

By discussing the fate of animation, it`s unfortunately impossible to exclude the issue of how CGI took over hand drawn animation. While I`ve deliberately tried to stray away from the fragile subject in my previous entries (mainly because of the sheer reason that it`s a fragile subject for those who yearns for hand drawn), it`s impossible to exclude the fact that it`s a relevant aspect in animation. As previously said, there were predictions about how CGI was eventually going to take over hand drawn. And unfortunately those predictions became true. 

At least it`s not Ever Ever
After :)

In reality, it is truly a pity that both hand drawn animation and CGI can`t co-exist in the same world (as it should`ve have). But we live in a world where complacency and corporation is what utltimately decides what`s going to see the light of the day. And the unfortunate truth is that people prefer CGI to hand drawn and various considers hand drawn to be old-fashioned (yes folks, it`s unfortunately true). Whether hand drawn animation will truly come back, is another case. But at least CGI has become the mainstream in animation in every single sense. And regardless of how you pereive it, it`s undeniable that CGI is meant to stay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Shrek Changed and Influenced Animation

We`re the emoji
versions :)

In terms of defining the change of trend of CGI animation, it would be fair to claim that Shrek was truly the one who truly changed the pace. Despite that it wasn`t the first of it`s kind (that honor goes to Toy Story). Nor was it the first animated feature to include pop culture references (that honor goes to Aladdin, despite how Shrek shares in common with Aladdin by having a big celebrity cast, like Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow and Cameron Diaz). However, it was influential in that sense to change the course of full-length animation and how they should be pop culture driven, CGI features. But with that notion said, it`s truly a pity that only two years after the success of Disney`s Tarzan, fate would have a different turn for hand drawn animation.

Yes, even I can drive :)
Even though I`m not a
good driver :)

In fact, Shrek pretty much defined what has been perceived as the DreamWorks formula (buddy movie, pop culture references, snappy pace, In fact, some considered it to be a full-length The Simpsons movie brought to screen). But it`s interesting to examinate DreamWorks` history. When they started, they were truly a distinctive company who actually took some genuinely inspired departures from Disney. And were distinctive. Despite how Dreamworks were criticized for stealing ideas from Disney. And regardless what you could say about Shrek, at least it was a part of the DreamWorks-mold of taking these genuine risks, by making an unconventional fairy tale (even though technically Shrek was made by Pacific Data Images, PDI). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Good and Bad Sides of Shrek`s Success

 

I`m trying to lift up my chin
in order to be taller :)

I`m trying to show you how
green eyes can be sexy :)

In many ways, the success of Shrek was both a blessing and a curse for both DreamWorks and animation in general. A blessing for actually showing how a non-Disney property could take over the world (considering that Disney`s former executive, Jeffrey Katzenberg, was behind DreamWorks, it truly was a full circle of him. Which could fuel of all the theories of Lord Farquaad being based on Michael Eisner). But it was also a curse, for setting the course of the upcoming animated features to be pop culture driven, snappy, zingy and cynical. 

Don`t worry, we washed the
onion, so it doesn`t smell :)

True that Shrek mostly reasonated with audiences for those reasons. And was perceived as a breath of fresh air for those who were tired of Disney`s reign. Yet no matter how cleverly written Shrek was, it could always be perceived as a proof of our cynical times: That audiences weren`t rooting for straight-forward, sincere fairy tales anymore. And that it was acceptable to have such cynical mockeries of them. And sure, Shrek isn`t only a mockery of fairy tales, but of Disney`s brand in general (with it`s quite overt Disneyland-spoof with the Duloc song, among other things). While the creators of Shrek have of course denied this, Katzenberg stated that Disney executives were "gracious and complimentary" when screening it for them. However, DreamWorks showed a few scenes to Disney attorneys to avoid lawsuit. They toyed with poking fun at Universal City and Las Vegas, but decided the most recognizable one to children was the most fun to play with. It was hard to have fun with fairy tales without touching the biggest purveyor of fairy tales in the world. Still DreamWorks tried to stop the irreverence a number of times.

I`m laying here to be
decoration :) Not to be food :)

While animation has always attracted adults as well (regardless of the evergoing stigma of being a kids medium), Shrek solified how that formula could easily cater to adults as well. Since it had a lot of comedy that could fly over the heads of the kids as well. Yet regarding Shrek`s important position, it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" in 2020. Making it the first DreamWorks film and the first non-Disney feature to earn that honor.

Behind the Scenes Information

 

At least it won`t be a
WWF spoof :)

I`m just pretending to like you
in order for this picture :)

While the success of Shrek is well known by animation lovers and historians, it truly was a sensation when it was released in 2001. Steven Spielberg snapped up the rights to it only a year after it was published, in 1991. Originally it was conceived as a hand drawn film. Producer John H. Williams got the idea to adapt Shrek from his pre-school aged sons. Williams convinced Spielberg to bring Shrek to the newly-founded DreamWorks in 1994. Miramax had also been interested in it and wanted to use Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach) to direct it. 

My dentist would be proud
of my teeth :)

Shrek spent a decade in development hell. Bill Murray was Shrek and Steve Martin was Donkey at first. But it`s well known that Chris Farley was cast to play the titular ogre. When Farley died of a drug overdose in 1997 (with most of his voiceover work complete), DreamWorks executives considered Nicolas Cage, Tom Cruise, and yes, even Leonardo DiCaprio to replace Farley. Director Andrew Adamson was so devastated by Farley`s death that he wanted Jeffrey to fire him. 

Yes, I know you don`t label
our franchise with cars. But we
wanted to be cool :)

Even before Farley's death, Shrek was regarded as a disaster by DreamWorks insiders. It`s crew nicknamed it The Gulag, because it was comprised of animators who had been fired from other films. Katzenberg wanted to make serious animation for adults” when he started DreamWorks. Yet he insisted it be "low-budget and experimental". So it wasn`t the most important film at the studio at the time. The editor Sim Evan-Jones was said to be on a Special Projects, without knowing what it was.

Don`t worry, it`s not a pipe :)

Chris Farley's Shrek centered on a teenaged ogre who wanted to be a knight. Who was going to resuce Donkey (Eddie Murphy, who originally was going to sing more, but was instructed to sing badly and was originally named "Little Ass") from a witch, opposite a sarcastic princess voiced by Janeane Garofalo. Shrek was originally a sweet, well intentioned soul who wanted more than to lurk around the swamp. Princess Fiona didn't trust people, and it was Shrek's good nature that opened her eyes and warmed her up. But Myers wanted to make Shrek his own, insisting on a total script rewrite before he joined the project. 

Even a Donkey can wish
Happy Birthday :)

After recording Shrek in his normal speaking voice (like his character from Austin Powers) and even doing a Farley impression, he decided that Shrek should have a Scottish accent. For being able to tap into a certain energy. An 11th-hour change that multiple sources claim cost the project at least $4 million. (Myers disputes the figure). Because Shrek had to be reanimated from scratch (and believe it or not, but Shrek was going to have a Canadian accent at one point). According to DreamWorks, they felt the Farley version was better. But Myers seemed incapable of playing a sweet, sincere character, which meant the part had to be radically rewritten. Which meant that Fiona had to be rewritten as well.

Don`t worry, they won`t be
muddy :)

And believe it or not, but Shrek was originally planned to be in Motion Capture. But it ended up being a mess. DreamWorks spent a year and a lot of money on Motion Capture. Then a team took a couple of months to develop a 15-minute 3D demo. Disappointed by the results, Jeffrey Katzeberg felt the project did not justify the very high CGI costs. He shopped the project around to various studios, before hiring PDI (Antz) to do the work. Still the crew wanted the look to be more organic than the usual CGI look. 

As for Awards, Shrek won the first ever Best Animated Feature Oscar. It was written by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, who wrote both Aladdin and Pirates of the Caribbean. And one of the writers were J.J. Adams. Shrek also happened to be screened in Cannes, the first animated feature since Disney's Peter Pan in 1953. Neil Diamond even joined youngsters who sang I'm A Believer in the theater lobby. As for it`s success, Jeffrey said to Adamson “Get ready for this. This may only happen once in your life.” Some said that they`ve never seen Katzenberg so happy before. Which proved that he enjoyed his revenge. DreamWorks considered re-releasing Shrek against Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., but eventually decided against it.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Praise and Backlash of Shrek`s Success 

 

Cupid loved my ass so much
that she aimed for it :)

An adaptation of William Steig`s Novel (and being a radical departure from it), Shrek struck a chord with both critics and audiences. Praising it`s irreverent comedy and sharp writing. For the evidence of it`s appeal, political science and history senior Chrystian Smith says that Shrek "encourages the viewer to delight in its irrationality”. And that it "helps elevate this generation’s commitment to dadaism.” Education and English graduate student Maricris Oreas cites that Shrek” represents togetherness and universal inclusion through its diverse selection of characters.  

Yes, I know that it`s unhealthy,
it`s my tongue who guided
me here :)

However, as with most popular properties, people eventually began to turn around on Shrek when the hype was settled down. And began to see it for it`s faults (in fact, Doug Walker/Nostalgia Critic pretty much lists up all the flaws of the film which I`ve even noticed when I saw it initially: dramatical unevenness and how the Shrek and Fiona love story wanders into sappy melodrama). And yeah, there`s been various claims that it`s aged poorly.

I was inspired by Tarzan :)

Regardless of how Shrek became an mandatory franchise (which each film being released every third year, two television specials and the spinoff Puss in Boots), at least one problem with Shrek (as cited by Lindsay Ellis/former Nostalgia Chick) is despite how clever it was, it still was never truly a loving mockery (no offense to the makers). It was steeped with disdain for the fairy tale genre and for Disney. Regardless of how this is a personal point of view, it`s still somewhat evident how Shrek in fact comes across as quite spiteful towards Disney.

How Animation Changed After Shrek

 

Yes, they`re yummy :) Don`t
be fooled by the title :)

But regarding how Shrek truly influenced the course of animation, the change was pretty much evident with the release of it`s first sequel, Shrek 2, three years later (2004). Not only had the last gasps of hand drawn animation disappeared (well, at least Theatrically). But almost every single CGI feature (with the exception of Pixar) were zingy, zappy, fast paced and pop culture driven (which even could be said about Disney`s first attempt to that realm, Chicken Little).

I`m a holy raccoon :)

Regardless of how you perceive those following films, the formula was worn out pretty soon. But it truly defined the proof the cynical times of animation: That cynicism was winning over sincerity. It wasn`t until late of the 2000`s that animation began to see some variety again with their stories. The change of direction was somewhat needed in 2001, as Shrek was genuniely perceived as a breath of fresh air to animation world. Yet every single formula, regardless of how successful it can be, can be worn out after a while.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Shrek Started the Trend of Mockery of Fairy Tales

 

Pun intended :)

But Shrek didn`t only set the course for the irreverent pop culture references in animation. It also solidified the trend of mockery of fairy tales. While the trend of mocking fairy tales existed prior to Shrek (even The Swan Princess managed to scrutinize this issue), at least Shrek made the mockery legitimate. Since there were some fairy tales movies who mocked the genre afterwards. While they were not as spiteful as Shrek, they still followed the same mold. But even that trend had it`s own change, as there came movies who embraced the mockery with a more honoring approach. One relevant example was Disney`s Enchanted, who was a mockery of Disney`s past, but a respectful one. And let`s not forget how this apporoach somewhat affected Tangled, Which was marketed as a Shrek-comedy, but ended up being a respectful fairy tale (despite that it had it`s fair share of snark).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Theories About Why Fairy Tales Are Easy To Mock 

I know there`s something
behind me, but I`m pretending
that`s it`s not there :)

But now that we`re having the discussion of mocking fairytales, we`ll have to wonder why exactly are fairy tales so easy to mock? Well, I`ll come with two theories: They can easily be perceived as pretentious. Regardless of how that`s a personal opinion, there is somewhat of pretentious nature to a fairy tale. The second (and more crucial) reason is how their components departs from life. Since fairy tales often includes magical components that really doesn`t exist in life (and always rewards the good ones), they are easy to mock for those reasons. 

I`m pretending to go on a quest
without an armor :) My own
sort of quest :)

While fairy tales has often been dismissed for being non-substantial and PC-friendly for those reasons, we`ll have to remember that they can have their fair share amount of darkness and gravity as well. Most of their morals are steeped in life`s substance, despite how unconventional their other components are. After all, art imitiates life and so on. And while art and life are essentially different, art tends to take more cues from life than people give it credit for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Epilogue

I`ll hope that`you`ll
love my massage :)
But I have fleas :)

Despite how this entry was meant to be an analysis of the influence Shrek had on animation and less about the movie itself, I could still wrap it up with my personal opinion about it. And truth to be told, Shrek was a mixed bag for me when I saw it initially. Mainly because of it`s aforementioned flaws: That it`s dramatically uneven and turns into a sappy, trite melodrama in the third act. And that is somewhat of a cynical mockery on fairy tales, rather than a sincere one. But I still enjoyed it`s other parts, as the irreverent comedy. And frankly, while Shrek essentially earned it`s success, I`ve found it overrated for being unbalanced as a whole.

I believe I can fly
with a kick ;)

However, while not to disregard Disney, it still was nice to see that a non-Disney feature could top the Box Office and become a sensation for once. Which truly made DreamWorks one of the big boys. So Shrek does deserve genuine praise for that reason alone. While animation has now changed and it`s been acceptable to include different genres in the CGI world, at least Shrek is an important cornerstone in animation. While it started a trend, it`s still a movie with heart and shows how a irreverent comedy can easily be heartfelt. While I truly hope that this assessment didn`t came off as an attack to Shrek, I still admire what it has achieved. And yeah, as this entry was meant to synergize with it`s 20th Anniversary, it`s hard to believe that it`s been over 20 years since it came. So Happy Past 20th Anniversary, Shrek, and may you continue to have many more.  

 

 

 

Yes, our names are obligacted to be marketed :) Since we`re stars :)

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References:

Shrek Two Disc Special Edition DVD

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrek 

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shrek

https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0126029/?ref_=bo_se_r_1

https://thedailyaztec.com/105347/artsandculture/celebrating-20-years-of-shrek-and-its-influence-on-pop-culture/ 

https://theweek.com/articles/556154/how-shrek-went-from-worlds-biggest-animated-franchise-internets-creepiest-meme 

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/shrek-oral-history

https://www.cinema.com/articles/462/shrek-production-notes.phtml

http://am.animatedviews.com/Shrek.html

https://www.quora.com/Did-Shrek-change-the-course-of-modern-animation-due-to-its-success 

https://moviechat.org/tt0126029/Shrek/58c7776693cef4080d7c4988/Did-this-film-change-the-animation-world

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzIALF0m3oM (Watching Disney VS DreamWorks from The Nostalgia Chick)

https://variety.com/2016/film/features/disney-pixar-acquisition-bob-iger-john-lasseter-1201923719/

https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/threecommentears/id/3963793

https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/threecommentears/id/4333807