ParaNorman is a 2012 stop-motion animated film created by the studio Laika and directed by Chris Butler and Sam Fell. The film follows social outcast Norman Babcock who has the special ability to speak to the dead. He is visited by his late uncle who tells him to carry on his duties of stopping the centuries-old witches curse on his town, each year by reading from his book. When Norman read the book at the wrong grave, the witch rose the dead bodies of the seven council members who convicted her. What’s interesting about ParaNorman is that the film would fall into the subgenre of comedy-horror. The film deals with a few heavy topics but is cleverly outweighed by the use of comedic elements. It’s something worth studying since this movie is intended for younger audiences.
Horror films that gained popularity among children date as early as the 1930’s, and this was something that was taboo and worry-some at the time according to parents. Though this kind of content that children were fascinated with can be controversial or even looked down upon, there are ways where this is beneficial. Horror can be a tool for children in coping with negativity. It’s studied that children feel a sense of relief watching horror, having knowledge that much of what they watch isn’t real and could even be comedic through some chiches that comedy- horror movies play with. The rating system that’s established through the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) helps parents determine what they believe is right for their children to watch without being too exposed to horrific content.
The first successful and memorable record of the comedy-horror subgenre is the film Abbott and Cotello Meet Frankenstein (1948). Both Abbott and Costello were a comedic duo in real life, so this is how the comedy plays into the movie, mixed with serious monsters. The monsters’ stories are part of the horror but are outweighed when Abbott and Costello’s cross with theirs. Some scenes in the movie where both parties mix are dealt with in a comedic way most of the time. Both Meet Frankenstein and ParaNorman share this template.
What’s different about ParaNorman, however is that it’s a film intended for younger audiences and it ends in a moralistic kind of way. When working with younger audiences there can be limitations on how far creators can take their horrific elements. This is why the film has quick witty humor during the more intense scenes, one exception being the climax of the film, just so children can find enjoyment through these scenes. The main group of characters in ParaNorman play tribute to the typical horror cliché personality types, such as the main characters friend (Neil), the bully (Alvin), the cheerleader (Norman’s sister Courtney), and the jock (Neil’s brother Mitch). They all each apply a comedic element that relates to their personalities. Even Norman’s parents have moments of comedic relief. What’s also adds to outweighing intense horror scenes is that it’s medium is stop-motion animation. This is important where when children see the disgusting- looking zombies, they understand that what they see is not real. This is, in a way coping with the negativity by seeing the monsters. They look disgusting and creepy however they still comply with the overall style that ParaNorman has which is exaggerated and clearly not real.
The monsters and the witch also have a redemption at the end of the movie. They both have reasons for their actions and the townsfolk, especially Norman, were able to find an understanding of this. The towns people and Norman’s family also gained an understanding of Norman’s differences, and lastly Norman found acceptance in himself and his ability, since that is what helped him save the town from the witch’s curse. He was also able to understand that there are good people in the world who will support him (Neil).
While rewatching the movie numerous times, the score for the movie is noticeable where it separates calm and comedic moments with serious moments in the film. When Norman and Neil hang out there’s this light-hearted, kid- friendly theme. It also plays in the end at the resolution. The theme that represents horror moments is intense and is briskly paced. This is played in the scary movie Norman watches right at the beginning of the film as well as the scene when the zombies rise from the dead. The movie within the movie foreshadows the realism in Norman’s world which is clever writing. Lastly, there is a third theme. This is an overall theme that is played multiple times in ParaNorman and it can be played in many different tones, each creating a unique mood. It can sound calm, intense, scary, kid friendly. This ties the movie along nicely.
Butler believed that children are smarter than parents lead on, and that there are many things that they can learn from watching these movies. Norman’s internal issues that he blames on his “gift”, how that brings trouble at school, and how his family is affected all can relate to the audience, both adults and children. Norman’s constant struggle of not being understood by others can be something relatable to children. The movie also clearly helps children become more comfortable with the concept of death. As mentioned before, with these movies, children are able to cope with negativity and the heavy topics that are brought up in horror. Norman’s grandmother whom he was very close with stays with him after passing and acts as Norman’s guardian angel. She says in the movie “I promised I’d watch out for you”, meaning that she decided to stay on earth instead of passing her soul completely. This is a great example for coping with death at a young age.
There are some great adult comedy-horror films to watch, but it’s rare to find one that’s intended for younger audiences that end with serious morals. ParaNorman is beautifully written, animated film and I believe it’s well worth the watch.
SOURCES:
Lester, Catherine. “The children’s horror film: characterizing an “Impossible” subgenre”. University of Texas at Austin, Fall 2016. https://go.gale.com/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=T002&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=1&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm¤tPosition=1&docId=GALE%7CA464448510&docType=Article&sort=RELEVANCE&contentSegment=ZONE-MOD1&prodId=AONE&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CA464448510&searchId=R1&userGroupName=suny_ceramics&inPS=true
Gutiérrez, Peter. “When Fear is Fun: Considering Genre and Audience in Horror Movies for Kids”. Screen Education, Melbourne, 2013. https://search.proquest.com/docview/1356576442/citation/564AA1B1BE6149DFPQ/1?accountid=8263
Introduction to Film Studies 