There’s something about stop-motion animation that’s equal parts beautiful and creepy so naturally we made sure to fit this art style into our Ani-MAY-tion Month lineup. And no movie captures those cozy-yet-nightmarish vibes better than Coraline (2009). A debut feature from the newly formed Laika and directed by animating legend Henry Selick, it was a labor of love that expanded the medium to a vibrant 3D world for the first time ever. Featuring a spooky backdrop, this flick also earns its reputation as the perfect gateway into horror for any little goth at heart. In our second theme pick, we’re doing our best to unravel the mysteries behind Other Mother’s origin, jumping mice, and those terrifying button eyes. Plus, one of our cohosts might finally be over their lifelong claymation phobia.

Resources

Hand-Making Coraline: Behind LAIKA’s First Feature

Animating Coraline - Behind the Scenes

Hand Made in 3D: Behind the Scenes of Coraline

Biggest Smallest World: Behind the Scenes of Coraline

https://collider.com/coraline-3d-animation/

https://oregonconfluence.com/2020/10/12/how-the-classic-oregonmade-film-coraline-came-to-be-set-in-ashland-or/

https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/features/52484-dakota-fanning-is-the-voice-of-coraline

https://coraline.fandom.com/wiki/April_Spink