Why animation reigns supreme
Arcane Season 2 awaits the release of its third and final act. Photo: File
By the time you're reading this, you might've caught up with the rollercoaster of emotions that is Arcane Season 2. But if you have no idea what I'm talking about, even better. Allow me to interest you in a binge-worthy show that will have you dismissing responsibilities left, right, and centre.
Arcane hypnotises its audience with its visuals so thoroughly that you'd find yourself replaying moments that you might otherwise consider too gruesome to watch. That is the incredible power of animation. Your eyes may blur with tears, but you'd resist looking away out of fear that you might miss a breathtaking frame.
Arcane's unending charm
But visuals are not all that the Netflix show has going for itself. The League of Legends adaptation also introduces the viewer to a perilous world ridden with the ugly truths of power and social disparity. And the best thing about that strong premise is that you don't even need to play the game to enjoy the show.
However, Arcane's strong suit undoubtedly lies in its ability to visually tell a story. The rich dialogues are only an embellishment in a show that combines various animation styles, including hand-drawn key visuals. The mix of 2D and 3D animation casts layers of depth and fuels the fluidity of characters' movements.
Symbolically, this immersive technique also works as a feature connecting viewers to the characters' humanity. Their quirks and mannerisms are modelled after how we tend to speak and move, hence reinforcing a sense of relatability that makes us care about every person driving the narrative forward.
But the fun part is, the creators don't compromise on their stylistic liberties. You can still expect adrenaline-kicking fight sequences, too-big firearms blasting, abstract magic surging, machines whirring and clanging, and everything else that makes the many worlds of animated media worth exploring.
What's so remarkable?
You might be of the belief that live-action films and shows have much the same to offer, given how far creative technology has come. However, CGI and special effectsimpressive as they keep proving to bedo not emulate the same level of harmony and cohesion as animation does.
Your favourite superhero might destroy New York City for the hundredth time, but how far does real-world relevance in media go until it becomes exhausting to consume? And I say this as a big fan of the genre. New York City and its mighty skyscrapers remain intact, and even in the world of fiction, damage is either controlled instantly or never addressed again.
Yes, special effects are fun to look at, but how engaging can a bunch of nothing be when you know it doesn't make sense in the context of your knowledge and the lack thereof? You have never seen a bright force field or glowing eyes or electricity sparking up a stranger's body. However, when it's all fused in a world that already fully defies the realm of reality, it is easier and all the more intriguing to engage with.
Take Netflix's film Nimona as an example. The combative use of shapeshifting powers is debatable until it's a little cartoon girl transforming into a pink whale to escape a guarded stronghold. If that sounds absurd, that is exactly the point. Its appeal sticks the landing when it comes to comic timing and the imaginative curiosity of how a supernatural protagonist might fight during a speedy action sequence.
Oftentimes, animated shows and films don't even need high-energy moments to make a scene compelling. The proof of that lies in Studio Ghibli's naturalist landscapes and out-of-the-box character designs. That airy and serene quality of hand-drawn animation is also effectively present in Pakistan's very own The Glassworker.
Although these examples do make use of a fair amount of intense sequences, their striking visual appeal is a perceptive part of storytelling. The magic of these films is the beautiful portraits they paint and draw you in with.
Beyond the looks
The appeal is also not limited to visuals. Forget superpowers. Write the most dramatic dialogue you can think of; recite it and imagine how well it would translate in live action. I assure you, even Keanu Reeves might not be able to salvage that piece of screenwriting, not unless his face was omitted from the equation.
Sometimes, animation's miracles transcend the boundaries of the fictional world. When you think of Dwayne Johnson, either a jungle or a natural disaster comes to mind until you remember how Moana's vain yet gregarious anti-hero, Maui, brought The Rock out of his comfort zone to deliver a memorable performance.
Of course, a discussion on animated media is void without the mention of Japan's enormous anime industry. Whether you're a subtitles lover or prefer the dubbed versions, one thing is excessively clear: manga is often not adapted well unless it's animated.
That's because a ten-minute death scene in live action would put you to sleep before it kills the character. However, when you have ethereal imagery as a backdrop and seasoned voice actors giving it their all, you are sure to take the animated rendition more seriously. Just think of how well the signature fogged glasses or shadowed face effects would be replicated by a real person. You can't.
Admittedly, however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which is why art is a subjective thing in the first place. It's evident in the little things like how we engage with characters in relation to each other. Animation is a labour of love and immense dedication, but as is the case with any kind of content, it isn't without its flaws.
When all's said and done, every media form has its merits. Live action content helps you put yourself in the shoes of people who look like you, whereas animated content tends to be an isolated experience. That is not to say that one is necessarily enjoyed better than the other.
Despite what I have to say, some people will remain unconvinced, others might still deem animated content childish. And I would be ready to forget every live action show I enjoy for the sake of that argument. But that's the beauty of human existence. We are not bound to a cohesive art-style.