September 1, 2023
A Peek Inside LAIKA’s Hidden Worlds
Walking into the Museum of Pop Culture’s exhibition, “Hidden Worlds: The Films of LAIKA,” felt like stepping into a dream that I never wanted to end. As a lifelong fan of animation and a devoted admirer of LAIKA’s cinematic creations, the excitement coursing through my veins was palpable. The air was charged with an aura of anticipation, as if the very walls of the museum were whispering tales of magic and wonder waiting to be unveiled.
They had these immersive displays that were nothing short of mind-blowing. I actually got to see the sets where these magical stories came to life. The attention to detail was out of this world, and you could almost feel the creativity oozing from every corner. The level of artistry and attention to detail was staggering – every cobblestone, every leaf, every whisper of wind seemed to have been conjured into existence by the hands of dedicated artisans.
“She’s got this whole world where everything better. The food, the garden, the neighbors. But’s it’s all a TRAP.” – Coraline Jones
The exhibit’s first-ever artifacts from the LAIKA production studios were like relics from an animation sanctuary. Seeing the painstakingly detailed puppets, the meticulously crafted sets, and the tools of the trade up close was an experience that bridged the gap between fantasy and reality. I could almost hear the gentle hum of creativity that must have resonated within those studio walls.
Coraline is one of my absolute favorite films of all time. I even used a quote from the movie in my senior class yearbook. But I changed it slightly to “an ordinary name can lead people to have ordinary expectations about a person”. I thought it was clever, since my name isn’t ordinary. As I walked through the tunnel, like the one Coraline uses to go to the other mother, I was weirdly emotional. The meticulous attention to detail in the recreation was mind-blowing, and it felt like I was reliving the magic of the movie. But what really got me was the nostalgia. Coraline had been a part of my life for so long, and seeing that tunnel brought back a flood of memories. It was a bit like revisiting an old friend.
The level of detail on these puppets and sets was nothing short of astounding. I’m so glad I had the foresight to bring my trusty 35mm lens because, let me tell you, every inch of these creations was a work of art. It allowed me to capture the extreme details that often go unnoticed on the big screen.
I got up close and personal with Coraline’s iconic blue hair and button eyes, feeling like I could reach out and touch her. Kubo’s intricate kimono, painstakingly crafted to perfection, was a sight to behold. ParaNorman’s quirky characters and their distinctive expressions were even more charming up close, and The Boxtrolls’ intricate underground world was a masterpiece of miniature craftsmanship.
It wasn’t just the characters, though. The exhibition showcased the sets and props that brought these worlds to life. I marveled at the tiny furniture, the intricately designed houses, and the miniature forests that had been carefully constructed for these films. It was like stepping into a miniature wonderland, and I was in photographer’s paradise.
They even gave us a sneak peek at LAIKA’s upcoming animated feature film, Wildwood. It’s like they dangled this tantalizing carrot in front of us, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us with this one. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be another LAIKA masterpiece.
So, if you’re a fan of LAIKA’s incredible work, or just a lover of stop-motion animation, this exhibition is an absolute must-visit. It’s like a dream come true for any movie buff, and I guarantee you’ll leave feeling inspired and awestruck. It’s an experience that’s hard to put into words, but trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
TLDR; I saw some puppets.
Thanks for reading & drink more water
-Ri
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Raisa Lynn
Welcome to my weird little corner of the inernet. I started this blog as a way to share my knowledge and experiences with others who are interested in my life. I hope that my insights can help others to learn and grow. Thank you for reading!