Thanksgiving has come and gone but the fond memories of family, friends, food — and a new movie — linger. Even though the holiday was celebrated at our home, we had time to see a movie that I’ve been anxious to see.
It’s called Hugo, based on The Invention of Hugo Cabret(opens in a new window) by Brian Selznick (Scholastic). The novel unfolds in a series of words and images which use the conventions of cinema, specifically the drama of old black & white silent films.
Many were surprised (shocked may be a better description) when Hugo Cabret won the Caldecott Medal.(opens in a new window) This prestigious award is for a picture book, one that provides readers with a visual experience. The book certainly does that; readers pan in and pan out, view panoramas, see Paris from unique perspectives, and share Hugo’s emotions and discovery. Much of this is conveyed through a series of black and white drawings that are interspersed with text. (Together they create a visual experience of over 500 pages.)
The film(opens in a new window) adaptation uses similar cinematic conventions — similar but different, of course, and in color. (I was surpised that Hugo was directed by Martin Scorsese, a filmmaker who is better known for different types of films, like Raging Bull). It’s also in 3-D — which has always seemed to me a major gimmick. Well, I had to adjust my bias when I saw the use of it here; it was done beautifully and added to the film’s fantasy.
Like the book, the film pays homage to old films and moviemakers, especially the filmmaker Georges Méliès(opens in a new window) (Ben Kingsley, the actor playing Méliès in the movie bears a strong resemblance). Also like the book, the film is really for children 9 and older — and their families, of course.
The film is fine adaptation of a memorable book. It is true to the book while doing what film does best. Both provide insight and inspire awe, each in their unique way.
[You can watch our interview with Brian Selznick, where he talks about his inspiration for The Invention of Hugo Cabret.]