Movie Info
Movie Name: The Painting (Le Tableau)
Studio: Blue Spirit
Genre(s): Animated/Drama/Family
Release Date(s): November 23, 2011
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Ramo, Plume, and Lola stepping out of their comfort zone…
In an unfinished painting, the Alldunns who are completed rule the canvas. They look down upon the unfinished Halfies, and the rough Sketchies. When Alldunn Ramo falls in love with Halfie Claire, he begins to argue for equality. Ramo finds himself, Lola, and a Sketchie named Plume in an unintentional quest outside of the canvas to find the legendary Artist and see if he ever intends to finish their world.
Directed by Jean-François Laguionie, The Painting (or the French title of Le tableau) is an animated family drama. The film was well received upon its release.
Are we predestined to our actions?
The Painting was suggested to me by a friend who is big into animation. I hadn’t heard of it, but thought I’d give it a chance when I saw its style of art and storyline. The movie ended up being a really interesting film, though I don’t know that it is for kids.
The plot of The Painting is adventure based (the main characters leave the canvas in search of the painter…and find adventure) but the real thrust of the story is the God idea. The Painter is the character’s God and they question why they are. Some (the Alldunns) use God as their excuse to abuse the other characters, the Halfies see God as someone who has abandoned them, and Sketchies are so raw that they are almost untouched by their God. You also get the warring armies of the other picture which are forced to fight by the Artist’s decree. It is these interesting concepts that make the picture stand out.
Why are we in this world?
Visually, the movie is quite interesting. It is a nice combination of classic art and live settings. The ending sequence alone with the Artist and Lola is worth watching the picture for itself. The Artist’s style is based on lots of artists like Matisse and Picasso.
The Painting is an interesting film that makes some daring choices for a “family” film. The movie does have some very interesting philosophic questions and though I think a kid could enjoy it, it is more for adults. Much like The Little Prince, the movie is more the message than the adventure. For a different look at the questions of God and equality, check out The Painting.
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