Laika is arguably one of the most famous companies in the world of modern stop motion animation, rivaling even the likes of Ardman in terms of technology and aesthetics.
With every film that they produce, the standards are raised for both the industry and for themselves, aiming to use more and more cutting edge technology with every new project. The methods of their production range from using Computer Graphics, puppetry, stop motion animation techniques and real life filmed footage, as well as a combination of all of these, meaning new looks and practices are constantly evolving and being invented. It's this innovative approach to the production of their films as well as how efficient they are in not only keeping up with the technological advances, but even pushing the most modern techniques to create new effects that makes me really admire Laika.
Some of their most recognised titles include Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and the newly released Kubo and the Two Strings. Each film have a very unique and thought out aesthetic, but are tied together with the signature style of stop motion animation films by Laika; A slight choppyness in the movement of the puppets dialogue, creating a very artistic and unique fashion to the way they talk, acting as a casual reminder that each frame and movement has been painstakingly arranged and animated. Continuous themes throughout Laika's films often include a great sense of humor, resulting in characters filled with life and personalities of their own.
Having the cartoon-like aesthetics that they do, Laika films are naturally aimed at a younger age range, but another aspect of their ambitions I particularly appreciate is the fact that they often cover issues sometimes hard to talk about, or could be confusing towards a younger audience. This, although having the potential to be borderline controversial actually promotes a better awareness for the issues that are mentioned, e.g. Kubo and the Two Strings touches on the subject of mental health and young carers regarding character of Kubos mother at the beginning of film. She sits practically lifeless in the front of their home, it's made clear that Kubo takes care for his mother entirely, cooking, feeding, putting her to bed, with not her so much as uttering a word at first. She seem's to have nightmares and flashbacks, and her memory is extremely patchy, not remembering that her own son had lost his left eye years previously. To analyse this, PTSD or definitely some kind of trauma could be being implied, and for someone who might find themselves in the position of being a young carer, I feel that this film and representation could potentially mean a lot to them.
Having the cartoon-like aesthetics that they do, Laika films are naturally aimed at a younger age range, but another aspect of their ambitions I particularly appreciate is the fact that they often cover issues sometimes hard to talk about, or could be confusing towards a younger audience. This, although having the potential to be borderline controversial actually promotes a better awareness for the issues that are mentioned, e.g. Kubo and the Two Strings touches on the subject of mental health and young carers regarding character of Kubos mother at the beginning of film. She sits practically lifeless in the front of their home, it's made clear that Kubo takes care for his mother entirely, cooking, feeding, putting her to bed, with not her so much as uttering a word at first. She seem's to have nightmares and flashbacks, and her memory is extremely patchy, not remembering that her own son had lost his left eye years previously. To analyse this, PTSD or definitely some kind of trauma could be being implied, and for someone who might find themselves in the position of being a young carer, I feel that this film and representation could potentially mean a lot to them.
The love and passion that Laika put into the whole production of their films really inspire me, from creating entirely unique and (in all ways) three dimensional characters, to the messages that lie beneath the beautiful created sets and styles.
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