The Iron Giant: I have one question

How did they achieve the Tear Jerker so well?

I mean, the characters were kind of likeable, but weren't all that strong, for animation. The Giant's sacrifice is nothing uncommon, it's practically a cliche.

So why do I find myself... not only tearing up... not only crying... but downright in involountary, uncontrolled Inelegant Blubbering? Why does it touch he so much when he says "I'm Superman", I mean, I even know he survived, and I'm still cryhing.

I'm not writing this to make a display of emotion. I just want to know why this was so powerful.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Well, take into consideration things like the direction of the scene, the acting, the music, camera angles, etc. Everything that went into that scene helps.

Also, consider the Giant's development before hand. "I am not a gun." The Giant chooses not to be a weapon of destruction, but something which protects. A hero. Superman. So, there is some build up character wise, in a sense.

edited 20th Oct '12 11:11:08 AM by StarOutlaw

Yeah, but I didn't care about him before that, beyond thinking he was kind of cute. As a matter of fact, I watched the film in a very skippy way, jumping from one scene to another. I never really felt connected to the characters the way I have in other shows. So why did I start caring then?

And that scene didn't have any Melodrama or over-the-top acting or extra-dramatic music. It was all very dignified. Including the reaction of the soldiers and citizens. They just stood there.

So, well, it's fine and all to say "camera" and "voice acting" and "animation" and so on, but can't you be a little more specific?

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

It really depends on the person. I don't remember crying while watching The Iron Giant or many other supposed tear jerkers but I can remember at least three animal related movies that really moved me.

Maybe the dignity help jerk the tears. Having things be more subdued can lend a lot more gravity to the situation. Less is more, or something like that.

Anyway, I'm watching that scene again. I think what really helps is how content the Giant looks before the missile hits him. He knows he might die, but he's dying as he chooses, and he has no regrets. It's sad that he appears to be gone, but at the same time you feel good knowing that the Giant is finally at peace with himself. It creates a conflict of emotions in the viewer.

edited 20th Oct '12 12:21:40 PM by StarOutlaw

I think there's also the phrase... when a kid says "I'm Superman", it's not in a mood of humility or self-sacrifice. It's in a mood of arrogance and self-righteousness. A power trip. You say "I'm Superman" and you imagine yourself beating up bad guys and shooting lasers out of your eyes, not... doing a Heroic Sacrifice, and certainly not doing so with a peaceful smile on your face.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Because at that moment, in every way that matters, he IS Superman.

"10 million will die by fire, if I am weak."

edited 20th Oct '12 1:18:44 PM by Robbery

I know! That's why! When a kid imagines himself as Superman, he's not imagining himself as an Ideal Hero, he's imagining himself as a Bad Ass. But the Giant acted like Superman really would. He did what's right, without a care in the world for himself.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

I would personally love to see Brad Bird (who directed Iron Giant) write and direct a Superman film. I don't care if it's live action or animated, but given that he directed "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," I think he could handle doing it in live action.

That's sort of what I was getting at, I think, but whatever. That reasoning isn't what would make me cry though, personally.

Well, yeah, it's not just what he did but how he did it.

The villain, though... he seems right out of an Alien movie...

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

This pretty much hits the nail on the head. It played out as it needed to, nothing more, nothing less.

In other words, they took it seriously and somberly, and the audience can pick up on that, even if not consciously.

Insert witty and clever quip here. My page, as the database hates my handle.

Nothing in the movie is forced or artificial, really. If a scene is funny, then it's allowed to be funny. If it's dramatic or serious, it's allowed to be so on the merits of what occurs. No hysterics, overacting, or shaking-of-fists at the heavens.

And no, that last comment wasn't a shot at a lot of anime. At least, I don't think it was...

edited 21st Oct '12 7:15:11 PM by Robbery

Oh, but it was. Good point. Good point indeed.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Underplaying emotions often adds so much more than trying to spell it out with a slide show.

Gurren Lagann notwithstanding.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.