Sphye wrote:Firedance101 wrote:So
I read today on msn entertainment that we may be getting a live action lion king movie. The same guy that directed the live action jungle book is overseeing it.
Thoughts?
I am kind of excited. I like seeing new takes on things. I really enjoyed the jungle book.
"Live action Lion King" had me a bit concerned, but if it would be the same director as The Jungle Book, I could see that turning out very well. I would hope that that would mean a similar feel of the animation to the animated parts of the film! The Jungle Book was just. so good.
Live action as in... with live people? Like the play? With people in costumes? That would be super interesting! I'd be into that.
Unless they mean like the 'Jungle Book', in which case I would be the first to point out that it would not be 'live action' by any definition. Even the recent 'Jungle Book' is more animation then live action. And if that's the case I would ask - why..? Part of what made 'Lion King' so great was the expressions and acting of the characters. If they were made hyper realistic they would lose every ounce of that charm. I don't know about you guys, but I can't see Bagheera or Aslan breaking into a rendition of 'Hakuna Matata' and swinging from a vine into a jungle pool. I'm not saying realistic animation can't have animals that express emotions, but it will never hold a candle to the emotions on display in the original. The modern 'Jungle Book' worked because it focused on a more action based plot, compared with the original Disney film, which focused on character. The modern Baloo, Bagheera, King Louie, and Mowgli are devices in a story, but as standalone characters they aren't charming, and they could never hold the story together on their own. Whereas in Disney's original version the characters could all have whole scenes of pure character development that did nothing to advance the actual plot - but even during these many 'breathing moments' you were always spellbound because the characters and animation were so strong.
I don't see how they can pull off such an emotional and charming film as 'Lion King' in a better way (or even come close)
without that subtlety that comes from caricature. They would need to focus the attention on other things like the plot. But the plot of 'Lion King' is mostly character driven. So... then what?
But if by live action, they mean actual live action with people acting it out - then that would be amazing! I would fully support that. A human face is far more expressive then a CGI lion's. Not to mention I could totally see the songs being used. I just can't see anyone taking a hyper-real lion singing 'Be Prepared' seriously.