I don't know if this can be of any use to help you people discover the time period in which the events between the Once-ler’s arrival and fall occurred, but I think I would not lose anything by sharing my little hypothesis. I clarify that I am not a certified expert in the central element of my hypothesis; I am just a mere amateur who has dedicated some years to this hobby. Without further ado, let's get started.
Some people have written hypotheses regarding when the events between the arrival of the Once-ler to Greenville (later, “Thneedville”), and the end of his business, based on certain cultural elements (such as clothing and music, for example).
However, I would like to delve into the technological aspect. Yes, I am aware that many electrical devices that we see in the movie have been altered to fit into the Dr. Seuss’ world. But even so, I would like you to pay attention to an element forgotten until now:
The photographic cameras.
We have two models to analyze, so I'll start with the “simplest” one.
At first, it can mislead us the fact that it has a built-in bulb flash and is therefore a professional camera used by the press. However, the use of bulb flash was already extensively used for home cameras since the 1940s, as we can see in this Kodak Brownie Hawkeye model (released in 1949):
Although the model of this camera does not resemble any model that we previously know, I will venture to affirm that it is a fusion between these types of cameras:
Fujica Half 1.9 (Fuji, around 1963)
Fujica Drive (Fuji, 1964)
All Demi Series (Canon, 1963-1966)
To support on these claims, I relied on two aspects of the camera used here: the lens, and the shutter.
It may not be able to be seen with the naked eye, but if we look closely, we can notice that the lens' size is compact, or better known as “pancake” (between 9 and 40mm). When comparing it with the type of lens used in the Fujica Half 1.9, we can find certain similarities, such as the length and width of the lens, in addition to both being half-frame type.
It should be noted that both types of cameras used in The Lorax are of the half-frame type; To delve a little into this aspect, I will quote the Wikipedia article:
“A half-frame camera is a camera using a film format at half the usual exposure format. A common variety is the 18×24 mm format on regular 135 film. It is the normal exposure format on 35mm movie cameras. For still cameras using the 35mm film, the usual format is 24×36 mm, so still cameras taking 18×24 mm exposures are called half-frame cameras.”
In addition, this type of photographic capture format was in fashion during the 60s. And, as we can see in the below comparison, the reflection in the lens makes us think that it is this type of format:
And, adding another speculative element, this type of photographic capture would only focus on the figure of the Once-ler, giving him the full attention of the lens. And, considering his desire to be admired and praised by the masses, we can come to understand the use of this type of film.
As a small section, you can actually use a bulb flash in this type of camera. Specifically, of the Class M type; in addition, it was also compatible with electronic flashes.
And lastly, this type of shutter was used on the Fujica Half and Fujica Drive models, as can be clearly seen in the images:
Regarding the type of camera housing, the Canon Demi series was most likely used as a base, since both have a frame with rounded edges, and a round viewfinder:
In conclusion, we can deduce that this camera was inspired by the Fujica Half, Fujica Drive, and Canon Demi Series, all of them manufactured between 1963 and 1966.
Although the subsequent analysis can give us an idea of when the events took place during the youth of the Once-ler, the element that gives us more clarity on the matter is this camera:
Clearly, it has been highly influenced by the Nikkorex (Nikon) AUTO 35, which was released in September 1964:
In addition to the obvious similarity in the housings of both cameras (with slight variations), the most notable feature is that the shutter for both is located directly in front, and not above (as in most cameras).
(Higher gif resolution here)
With this said, I hypothesize that the events between the Once-ler's arrival in Greenville and the end of his odyssey happened during the 1960s, specifically between 1963 and 1966-1967.
Thank you very much for reading this essay, I am open to comments, corrections and debates (preferably in Spanish).
Nikon page
Leitz Museum
Kodak List
Canon Museum
CorsoPolaris
Camera Manuals (Fujica Half 1.9)
Butkus
Camera Manuals (Nikon AUTO 35)
Digital Camera Lens Buying Guide
Pancake Lens
Carole Cohen Photography
dailybridgerton
theartofmadeline
titsay
annaxmalina
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