The 2D Wonder of “Klaus”
It’s time to sit down with for the Christmas season, gather some blankets, hot chocolate and turn to one of the newest additions to the Christmas movie genre, “Klaus”. On November 8th Netflix released the original animated movie, highly reminiscent of the characteristics found in Disney content. Heartwarming. Witty. Adventurous. “Klaus” has certainly got it all.
The movie breathes life into the classic tale of Santa Claus by reframing it in a refreshing new manner. The plot follows a spoiled postman called Jesper who gets assigned a desolate station on the island of Smeerensburg. Jesper’s only hope to leave the island and to assume his high social position is to post 6,000 letters within the next year. However, there remains a major obstacle. The town of Smeerensburg is full of century-old feuding families, who are less than welcoming or willing to send letters. It is not until Jesper meets Klaus, a quiet toymaker in the woods, that the postmaster’s fortune turns around. In desperation, Jesper plans to tell children to send letters to the toymaker in the mountains with the idea that the children would receive a gift in return. From there on out genuine character development, humor, and of course festive antics ensue.
“Klaus” is the latest major release from the Sergio Pablos Animation Studio. The founder of the studio, Sergio Pablos, worked primarily as the director and screenwriter for “Klaus”. Although most people would likely recognize the works he is attached as he is the co-creator of the major franchise “Despicable Me” and had previously worked on several Disney classics including “Tarzan” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”.
The Netflix original was initially rejected by larger studios for around ten years until it was picked up by the streaming service in 2017, most likely due to its focus on 2D animation. Ironically after the release of “Klaus”, many praised it to have resurrected the use of 2D animation. Indeed, most major animation studios have not pursed the good old-fashioned style of 2D animation because of the unique capabilities and mainstream box office draw that 3D animation has garnered. On the other hand, nothing can quite replicate the unique hand-drawn feel that 2D animation provides to the eye. “Klaus” has a very stylistic look to it, which was achieved through the integration of 2D and 3D animation by the two hundred and fifty animators working behind the scenes.
This spin on the origin of Santa Claus is surely worth a watch as it remains a clever and imaginative work of art, creating a perfect viewing experience for the holiday season.