Is this technically supposed to be an IDES post?
Yes.
Am I cheating on my own promise for this to be non-fic?
Probably.
Is this my blog?
Yup.
Ok then.
As I mentioned before, the Animated Tales were my bread, butter, and crack growing up. I knew the first six by heart, and when I discovered a box set on DVD in college (at the Folger - thanks for the heads up, A$), I had to own it immediately. I had never seen the 6 cartoons from the 1994 series, so I was interested in getting to know them as an adult.
I was a little disappointed in Julius Caesar the first time around. It didn't seem like an interesting stylistic choice for the animation, and once Caesar's dead and the orations are over, who cares? End of play, amirite? But the more times I've watched this one, the more I appreciate how... well... Roman the style is. Everyone has hard features, all of the colors are bold and hot, some of the music is almost militaristic with its horns and drums. It's as gorgeous as the others in the series, and is set apart from them by being the only one done in this style. And just like most of the others - when you think that this was done by hand by human animators, you really have to appreciate what they were able to accomplish. Lightning glows and crackles, hair and togas fly with dangerous winds, the crowd writhes, flames dance and smoke curls. It's amazing.
I've never really learned to appreciate the post-oration part of the play, though.
Plus, the cast. You can find a veritable Who's Who of BBC/RSC and other famous actors among the Animated Tales' casts. Of note in this one are Joss Ackland as Caesar, David Robb as Brutus and Jim Carter as Antony.
I mean, see for yourself - I posted the current YouTube videos below. I can't really get behind the organ choice for music, but that's overshadowed - for me -by the really strong chaotic images of fire, storms, and battle. However, I always giggle a little as Brutus stabs himself then dances on air... what IS that?
Much love, BBC.
Yes.
Am I cheating on my own promise for this to be non-fic?
Probably.
Is this my blog?
Yup.
Ok then.
As I mentioned before, the Animated Tales were my bread, butter, and crack growing up. I knew the first six by heart, and when I discovered a box set on DVD in college (at the Folger - thanks for the heads up, A$), I had to own it immediately. I had never seen the 6 cartoons from the 1994 series, so I was interested in getting to know them as an adult.I was a little disappointed in Julius Caesar the first time around. It didn't seem like an interesting stylistic choice for the animation, and once Caesar's dead and the orations are over, who cares? End of play, amirite? But the more times I've watched this one, the more I appreciate how... well... Roman the style is. Everyone has hard features, all of the colors are bold and hot, some of the music is almost militaristic with its horns and drums. It's as gorgeous as the others in the series, and is set apart from them by being the only one done in this style. And just like most of the others - when you think that this was done by hand by human animators, you really have to appreciate what they were able to accomplish. Lightning glows and crackles, hair and togas fly with dangerous winds, the crowd writhes, flames dance and smoke curls. It's amazing.
I've never really learned to appreciate the post-oration part of the play, though.
Plus, the cast. You can find a veritable Who's Who of BBC/RSC and other famous actors among the Animated Tales' casts. Of note in this one are Joss Ackland as Caesar, David Robb as Brutus and Jim Carter as Antony.
I mean, see for yourself - I posted the current YouTube videos below. I can't really get behind the organ choice for music, but that's overshadowed - for me -by the really strong chaotic images of fire, storms, and battle. However, I always giggle a little as Brutus stabs himself then dances on air... what IS that?
Much love, BBC.
DON'T FORGET!
BEWARE THE IDES OF FREE STUFF!
Comment on my last post with your favorite Shakespearean conspiracy theory, and you can win my gently used copy of The Ides of March by Valerio Massimo Manfredi. It's Politi-Historo-Thriller with a little Bard action on the side.
You have until next Saturday, March 24 at 11:59pm to post your theory - the winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the Miscellany on the 25th.
You have until next Saturday, March 24 at 11:59pm to post your theory - the winner will be chosen randomly and announced in the Miscellany on the 25th.
North American readers only, please, I'm sorry that I can't afford international shipping.
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