George Miller, the producer of this little movie, was so in love with the story and project of Babe, that it became a ten year labour of love, as he waited for the world of special effects to catch up to a vision which is still charmingly captivating and spell-binding (even after the umpteenth viewing)...
Babe is the film adaptation of Dick King-Smith's 1983 novel The Sheep-Pig, the story of an orphan piglet, who comes to the farm of Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell) and his wife, after being won as a prize at a fair. Once at his new home the film documents Babe's life as he befriends and enchants the other farm animals and viewers alike. There's Ferdinand the Duck who wants to be a rooster, and Fly the sheepdog who fosters Babe and as his surrogate mother leads him down a road which will redefine his existence, because you see, while Babe is destined for the dinner table what he really wants is to be a sheep-pig...
So, here's one for the little pig and film who would, and could, and did, and still does...
I am a huge fan of this movie, particularly because I appreciate that space and genre of storytelling in movies which serve as a complete escapist fancy. Being a huge Disney fan myself is a testament to this fact, that the child inside can still be easily accessed and entertained, even as I rewatch this movie with the new title of daddy associated to my person. Can't wait til my son is old enough to watch this one, the first of it's kind (the talking animal Live action).
Now I am well aware of the fact that this blog jumps around, what? The last post was for a cannibalistic serial killer, and this one for a little talking pig, but that's because there are such a vast plethora of cinematic history to venture through, products made for audiences of all types. I appreciate movies of any genre (because you know not everyone can or does), and this is why I am quite happy with the task ahead of me to watch the selection for this blog...
But back to the pig - when it was released back in 1995, Babe would be the movie that would exceed expectations. A masterpiece of charm and technology that was able to captivate children and adults alike, going on to win the Best Film (Musical or Comedy) award at the Golden Globes, and then marching forward to the Academy Awards with seven nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for James Cromwell (in his biggest role at the time, in screen time that is, he doesn't say much, but that's the character he's portraying, but career elevating for sure, because suddenly James Cromwell was a movie face and earning even bigger roles). The film would win the Oscar for Best Visual Effects (in a year when Apollo 13 was in the running), and while that would be it's only win at the Oscars, the film has maintained its popularity and high approval ratings, earning a spot on various "Best of..." lists - and on my list it truly holds a place, an enduringly enjoyable piece of cinema - Damn that little pig is still cute (or at least the 48 little swine actors who brought him to life).
Babe is Oscar nominated movie #72 (watched for the purposes of this blog) and the 3rd movie watched from the 68th Academy Awards.
nuff said...
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