The early '80s were an interesting time for controversial artist and animator Ralph Bakshi. His 1970s were filled with incendiary offerings like Heavy Traffic, Coonskin, Wizards, Fritz the Cat , and his (truncated) adaptation of Lord of the Rings . But once the 1980s rolled around, Mr. Bakshi was a little more sedate -- and absolutely intent on furthering the art of feature-length animation. The often...
The latest issue of Wax Poetics [my favourite music magazine] is out now – with features on Curtis Mayfield and Spike Lee. The issue includes: Re:Discovery – Melvin Van Peebles, Manfred Krug, Marvin Gaye, Judgment Night OST, John Carpenter Roc Raida – The Grand Master Shadows And Phonographs – This sinister role of the turntable in Hollywood classics Brotherman [...]
We’ve already linked to this, but this interview with Ralph Bakshi has some really shrewd insights peppered throughout. One of his comments that stood out most is his opinion of Pixar: I don’t see too many new films today as it is - just sitting in the theater and watching all of that money on the [...]
Jason Anders continues to interview cult directors, hot starlets and distinctive animators. He’s just posted a conversation with Ralph Bakshi on his Fulle Circle Blog — and whatever Ralph has to say is always worth a read.
It’s been a long time coming. In fact, for the past eight years and thirty-seven issues, we’ve wanted to do a Curtis Mayfield cover. It finally worked out for our unofficial Film/Hustler Issue, in which we take a look at Mayfield’s epic soundtrack recording Super Fly . New York writer Michael A. Gonzales pulls from his own 1996 Curtis Mayfield interview as well as tapping Curtis associates,...
By David Lambert - As we reported, yesterday the guest on Stu's Show, on Shokus Internet Radio, was none other than animation historian/expert Jerry Beck. There were indications that Jerry would have... (more)
By David Lambert - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 'THE KING OF ALL THINGS CARTOONS' JERRY BECK RETURNS TO STU'S SHOW on SHOKUS INTERNET RADIO! Wednesday, November 11th (7:00 P.M. ET; 4:00 P.M. PT) Animation... (more)
ASIFA-Hollywood has announced its Winsor McCay Award recipients for 2009: Tim Burton, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Bruce Timm. The award is given in recognition of career contributions to the art of animation. Tim Burton, of course, has had a strong influence on the world of animation. Burton began his career as an animator (Tron, Fox And [...]
What is this country coming to when innocent, married Republicans can't frequent graveyards loaded with sex toys and Viagra without being victimized by barely-beyond-jailbait strippers? Gee and just in time for Halloween. Republicans are just the gift that not only keep on giving but giving at the most appropriate of times. Roland Corning, 66 year-old former South Carolina state legislator and former...
Today is Ralph Bakshi's 71st birthday. Below is a publicity pamphlet that accompanied the release of Heavy Traffic . I still feel that Traffic is Bakshi's most satisfying film and one that pointed in a direction that too few have followed. Persepolis may be the only animated film I can think of that's similar. Note that the film was rated X at the time of release. Current versions are rated R, though...
Here it comes to save your day. This past year I’ve been working with CBS Video and Paramount Home Entertainment on compiling the Ralph Bakshi/John Kricfalusi Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures complete series DVD set — and now you can pre-order it on Amazon.com. It’ll be released on January 5th 2010 and bonus materials include [...]
- Johnny Vita was a staple in the NY animation industry for some time. When Ralph Bakshi got Fritz the Cat as a feature, he brought Johnny Vita along as his Background designer and artist. This was arguably the best decision Bakshi made on the film. Vita went out with the storyboard and photographed locations [...]
The Butter Battle Book is an animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ 1984 book of the same name. Produced in 1989 by Ralph Bakshi, the film was called by Seuss as the most faithful adaptation of his work. The book was written in the midst of the Cold War and reflects the concerns of the time, [...]
Videos
