Friday, 12 February 2016

Environmental Storytelling - Studio Ghibli


Studio Ghibli seems like such a typical studio to analyse because of their profound popularity, but their popularity is for a reason, because they have made stunning animations over the years, and therefore deserve this recognition and I can't help but pay credit to the beauty from such talented artists.

Rather like Song of the sea, Studio Ghibli really bring out the beauty of the natural landscape in their hand-painted cel environments. This is more prominently present within Princess Mononoke, where for the majority it is set in a Japanese forest landscape.


Yet again like Brave and Song of the sea we see light being used to portray and enhance a magical atmosphere, used to complement the narrative.


The composition of this shot is beautiful, the suns rays (though mostly trapped from the lucid green leaves) escape from the canopy, enlightening the tone to the animation, you feel happy.


In contrast the composition and tone of this environment sets a very austere atmosphere. The trees lacking leaves and therefore any life sends out a depressive feel, complemented by the darkness of the night and rockyness connoting of destruction with lack of greenery within it. 


This tree landscape, however thriving in life and beauty unlike the above, is evidence of how shadowing can be used to create an austere tone. The darkness acts as a presence to something dark coming, thats what I feel from looking at this environment, with the canopy stopping the light from touching the earth below.



Not only has Studio Ghibli been known for creating highly detailed, almost photographic cels like these in Princess Mononoke, for Ponyo the environments can take a more child-like approach.


the use of the bright colour palette sets a light-hearted atmosphere over the animation, complementing the narrative itself in comparison to Princess Mononoke.


The use of intense green and blue hues really set this happy feel, which runs throughout the animation.






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