Many a sane person will know there is a broad line between fantasy and reality. There are times, however, when this line is a positive blur between that which we know is real and that which we believe to be real. For example, many people believe in the concept of Alien abduction while others believe it to be an elaborate hoax. A little extreme, perhaps, but it has nothing to do with my point.
Our weekly viewing of TiVo'd shows is always rampant with the dichotomy that rules the household, those shows that Grace TiVos and the shows that I have on season pass. Upon a viewing of one of Grace's shows (of which I shall not name) there was an interview with a very well-known, yet unknown celebrity. This celebrity was the performer Kevin Clash, whom some of you might know better as the voice of a most popular of muppets, Elmo. Here's where the line starts to blur.
First off, he comes out with Elmo on his arm, in full view for everyone, including the host, to see. First thing you notice is how comfortable he is performing as Elmo. Most startlingly, the second thing you notice, is how engaged with the muppet itself the host is. The further the interview goes, the host noticeably gets confused as who she should really be talking too, the red sock on Mr. Clash's right arm, or Mr. Clash himself. Astonishingly, this is not a surprise in any case.
There are many stories of a similar vein where people are enthralled by these characters. Is it a testament to the talent of the performer or is it a holdover from our childhood memory of Sesame Street and the Muppet Show? Where does this propensity for utter belief begin?
It's an interesting case really, because logic indicates that there is a person in that Big Bird costume and there are many hands manipulating the sea of felt and fur we all have come to know from our youth, but there is still a belief that all of these characters' unique personalities indicate an almost otherworldly faith that they live and breathe on their own. It's the power of performance and imagination right in front of your very eyes.
This is why the Jim Henson Company continues to thrive today. Although there are many effects houses responsible for stunning artistry, they remain a favorite when it comes to fabricating believable and practical three-dimensional creations. As an engineer, it's a dream of mine to be able to develop such stunning technical inventions. As an artist, it's a more powerful dream to inspire and be inspired at the same time. This was the dream of Jim Henson himself and no doubt he's smiling down upon this legacy.
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2 comments:
Amen, my brother. These days everyone's in a race to create the best special effects, the best texture map, or the best digital matte. What they've forgotten about was the story, characters and emotion that would capture the imagination of children and adults alike.
Jim Henson understood this. This is still one of my favorite posters!
Gotta love the poster. I heard the Henson Company was going to be using their creature tech to make a computer generated movie, anyone have more info on this?
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