The American Animated Cartoon Critical Anthology

The American Animated Cartoon Critical Anthology is a comprehensive guide to the history, theory, and criticism of American animated cartoons. The anthology features essays by leading scholars in the field, and provides a critical overview of the development of American animation from its beginnings in the early 20th century to the present day.

The American Animated Cartoon: A Critical Anthology

by Danny Peary

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

History of American Animation

The history of American animation can be traced back to the early 20th century, when cartoonists began to experiment with using moving images to tell stories. The first animated cartoons were simple and crude, but they quickly gained popularity with audiences. By the 1930s, animation had become a major industry in the United States, and studios such as Disney and Warner Bros. were producing classic animated films that are still enjoyed today.

The Golden Age of American animation lasted from the 1930s to the 1950s, and during this time some of the most beloved and influential animated films were produced. These films included Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937),Pinocchio (1940),and Fantasia (1940),as well as Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. The Golden Age of animation came to an end in the 1950s, as television became more popular and studios began to focus on producing animated films for television rather than for theaters.

In the 1960s and 1970s, American animation began to experience a revival. A new generation of animators, influenced by the counterculture movement, began to produce animated films that were more experimental and adult-oriented. These films included Ralph Bakshi's Fritz the Cat (1972) and Robert Crumb's Fritz the Cat (1972). The 1980s and 1990s saw a continued growth in the popularity of American animation, with the release of such films as The Lion King (1994),Toy Story (1995),and Shrek (2001).

Theory of American Animation

The theory of American animation is a complex and evolving field. Scholars have proposed a variety of different theories to explain the development of American animation, and there is no one theory that is universally accepted. However, some of the most common theories include:

• The auteur theory, which argues that the director of an animated film is the primary creative force behind the film.
• The industry theory, which argues that the animation industry is the primary creative force behind animated films.
• The audience theory, which argues that the audience is the primary creative force behind animated films.
• The cultural theory, which argues that American animation is a reflection of American culture.

Criticism of American Animation

American animation has been criticized for a variety of reasons, including:

• Its sexism and racism.
• Its violence.
• Its commercialism.
• Its lack of originality.

However, American animation has also been praised for its creativity, its humor, and its ability to entertain audiences of all ages.

The American Animated Cartoon Critical Anthology is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history, theory, or criticism of American animated cartoons. The anthology provides a comprehensive overview of the development of American animation from its beginnings in the early 20th century to the present day, and it includes essays by leading scholars in the field.

The American Animated Cartoon: A Critical Anthology

by Danny Peary

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1914 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE