Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Random Late Night Wall-Eizing

Wall-E is, in a word, freaking amazing. Might just be my favorite Pixar movie yet.

Among many other things, it reminded me of a series of Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction covers by Mel Hunter. Both portray a humorous attempt to understand humanity by the objects we surround ourselves with and the heartbreaking ways in which those objects fall short in describing who we are.

As usual with Pixar, I have a hard time deciding which I like better, the movie or the concept work. I'm glad I don't have to decide - I loved the movie so much I ran straight to the bookstore to pick up The Art of Wall-E.

Over on the Spectrum website, Arnie Fenner asks whether Wall-E's Axiom space craft was an homage to John Berkey. Looking at the concept drawings, (insert to the left) leaves little doubt.

[Thanks to NooSFere.com for the Mel Hunter images.]

13 comments:

Glendon Mellow said...

I felt the Berkey reference too. Eve remined me a bit of the old Omnibot toy from the late Eighties.

I was in awe of this movie. The message was clear, (I was with a 6-year old) and I was enthralled by how little dialogue was needed to convey the story beyond the different intonations of Wall-E and Eve's names.

Those covers are pretty neat-o.

Unknown said...

I loved Wall-e and certainly felt it was the best Pixar film so far. It was one of those rare films where i wasn't glancing at the time or missing my drawing table. I'm glad you're pointing out the heritage that Pixar was drawing from, I'm only vaguely familiar with Mel Hunter, but it's so refreshing to see a lightness and humour in SF which can be so dark.The ship made me think of John Harris, but Berkey is obvious to me now. Did you notice the amazing end animation? I think Scott Morse designed it...

Anonymous said...

The Mel Hunter covers are marvelous! Is there a printed collection of his work anywhere? Amazon searches are only turning up different people with the same name...

Corina St. Martin said...

I'm so happy you posted this, I haven't seen it yet but have been planning to this weekend. Maybe now Julie will seem a bit more enthused... cross your fingers

Rachel AKA said...

Can't wait to see it! The coming attractions made me think of the funny little robot Wallace and Grommit meet on the moon. Maybe that creator (whose name escapes me) saw these great Hunter covers, too?

Bob Eggleton (Zillabob) said...

Wall-e was AMAZING!!!! Yes!!!!! And I love Mel Hunter-one of my greatest influences. The movie had a frightening and cool message to it about big corporations and the dangers of technology and space travel. It also reminded me of something else. The ending credits are worth the price of admission and,really underscore the whole film! And yah for Shaun Tan's concept work in it. I HIGHLY recommend THE ART OF WALL-E by Tim Hauser. Has lots of concept art and paintings in it.

Eric Braddock said...

WaaaaaAAall Eeee!! I believe I may just have to go to Barnes and Noble later and hunt this book down, I saw it a few days ago, and it impacted me so much, easily one of my favorite movies of 2008 so far! I've been addicted to the soundtrack and look forward to seeing some of this art work. So good. So good.

Carl V. Anderson said...

I am so glad to hear it, I wanted this one to be special. I look forward to checking it out with family and friends.

Lana Gramlich said...

Love the Mel Hunter covers! Thanks for sharing. I'll have to put Wall-E on my list (unfortunately behind a handful of other films...)

Anonymous said...

I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie. Does anyone else remember the old1960, early 1970s comic book series, Magnus Robot Fighter by Russ Manning? Gorgeous, gorgeous stuff! Anyway from what I've read about the movie, it's
concept of corpulent humans gliding about on anti-gravity machines sounds like its straight out of that comic...

Best,
Charles

Anonymous said...

Oh, I remember Magnus alright (love it!)...I have a copy of the story you mentioned. It's the first thing I thought of when I saw Wall-E! In fact, there are quite a few things in the film that come from so many other sources (like, a book called "Garbage World"). But it doesn't matter much, since they hold the story together very well.

We tend to reference things we are close to...not necessarily the original sources. For instance, music I'm certain was written by some band, but find it was penned ages ago.

Funny you mentioned Magnus. That story alone would make a fun film....

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