B L A C K W E E K
I wanted to talk about the use of black in animated movies, specifically the difference between Disney and Studio Ghibli movies.
Disney Movies -
1.) The majority of the time, black is a universal color among villains in Disney movies; its practically a rule. Black is either apart of their costume, hair, or body. Along with this is a rather 2D personality/motivation. These villains are rarely complex and don’t have redeeming traits that make an audience member sympathize with them. Their motives are plain and clear - money, power, youth, etc. Their opposing protagonist never wears black (unless their hair is black, such as a POC or Snow White whose hair is a defining trait). Black is an easy way to convey evil. Dark color = dark aura/essence = evil. This is in no way bashing these movies; I love Disney movies more than most. This use of black is just an easy way to convey an evil character.
Studio Ghibli -
Studio Ghibli movies are applauded for their complex characters and storylines. Their use of the color black is a perfect representation of this.
2&3.) Witch of the Waste from Howl’s Moving Castle - In the beginning of the film, this character falls into the typical villain archetype/trope. However, over the course of the movie she loses the bit of youth and health she still had (from her magic). By the end, she is her pure, raw self. At moments, she retains her sense of superiority/ disregard for others, but she has many “cute old lady” moments (mostly in her relationship with the dog Heen). Her black clothes go from conveying her “evilness” to her old age.
4.) No Face from Spirited Away - Studio Ghibli often uses black as a way to convey mystery and complexity. No Face is a mysterious spirit with mysterious powers (he can shape-shift, create gold, eat pretty much anything, but he never speaks). When first introduced, he is a nuisance and hazard to the bath house (at one point he ate someone). But soon his soft character comes through. He tags along on the protagonist’s journey, keeping her company in lonely and hopeless moments (he also endlessly offers her gold). Growing up I always thought he was somewhat cute, like an old dog with little energy but endless love. His black figure assists in his “mysteriousness.” He doesn’t have a definitive shape and he can disappear in dark spaces. I like this picture specifically because of his contrast with the scenery around him. In class, many students agreed that black is a inconspicuous color. However, in this setting, No Face’s black body clearly sticks out and draws the viewer’s attention.
5&6.) Gigi from Kiki’s Delivery Service - Gigi is Kiki’s adorable sidekick. This movie already fights the typical stereotype of an evil witch, showing that witch’s are kind and helpful. Gigi isn’t the typical black cat; he doesn’t bring bad luck and isn’t the pet of an evil villain. He is a hilarious supporting character that brings Kiki’s naivety down to earth through comedic pessimism. Also, the black makes his large eyes and mouth pop, making him a very cute cat :). Ghibli took the traditional mysterious black cat to create an adorable and funny character.
7.) Soot Sprites/Gremlins from My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away - Once again, black is used to make a cute and mysterious creature. At first, these sprites surprise and “spook” the main characters in each movie. But as the plot progresses, they become a cute companion. In Spirited Away, the protagonist is scared by the swarm of these eerie bug-like creatures, but they soon prove to be ADORABLE; they carry and keep safe the protagonists shoes and socks, they work really hard carrying coal in the boiler room, they make cute little squeaky noises, and they LOVE sprinkles. I’m sorry, I just love these little guys. In My Neighbor Totoro, the sprites are the protagonists’ first encounter with the mystical woods. They are a precursor for their magical adventure. Naturally, the sisters’ are initially scared by them. The sprites’ black design is similar to that on Gigi; they appear mysterious, but their large white eyes make them very cute :)
8&9.) Lady Eboshi from Princess Mononoke - Princess Mononoke is famous for character complexity (among many other aspects of the film). Lady Eboshi is initially seen as a villain; she is destroying the forest, angering forest spirits, causing discourse in the land, etc. Her main goal is to kill the Forest Spirit (which is viewed as impossible by most as he is the highest god) to continue mining ore and expanding Iron Town. However, as the protagonist, Ashitaka, meets with and befriends her, she is seen as a kind-hearted and driven woman. She took in, helps, and hired outcast lepers and female brothel workers, giving them a home, family, and honest work. The audience never dislikes her; she has a calm, kind demeanor and is very welcoming to Ashitaka. Her character design is the darkest of all the characters (at least all the human characters). She is the only person with black hair, and her main outfit sticks out among the other towns people. The use of black in her design contrasts her from the other characters (ie, Ashitaka is dressed in soft blues to portray his humble and kind nature). She appears more powerful and mysterious among everyone else (Why does she have these goals? Where did she come from? What motivated her to help people less fortunate? How did she get in such a powerful position? etc.)
