"Dr. Seuss" Films pt. 1

“We can...and we must...do better than this.” -Theodor Seuss Geisel

The Grinch (2000), The Cat in the Hat (2003), Horton Hears a Who (2008), and The Lorax (2012). Some refer to these as films, and I guess that is technically accurate. But, one thing they are not are good representations of the source material. Everybody likes different things for various reasons. This is not a judgment of any kind, but an explanation as to why the only thing these movies have in common with the books, I feel, is the fact they bear the name 'Dr. Seuss'. Forgive any anger, as I'm sure some will come through.

This is mostly a response to the fact that Dr. Seuss, a creative hero of mine, has had his work misrepresented in film, my favorite medium, for nearly 15 years. Dr. Seuss taught me, in part, to read, that imagination needs no limits, and that authority needs to be challenged once in awhile as long as you're willing to deal with the consequences. He also taught us that the world is exciting and wonderful and though it has some darkness and disappointments to not let that weigh you down. Though he is known for writing for children, this is somewhat inaccurate. Other than the Beginner Books, he said that he wrote and drew, not only for people in general, but mostly what he wanted to see. Seuss' books usually come with a lesson. Such as his commentary on Hitler or Mussolini in Yertle the Turtle, or on over-materialism in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Teaching us things like being environmentally aware through The Lorax or the importance of tolerance with The Sneetches. It was a characteristic about his writing that was as important as his rhymes.

My anger towards adult Seuss movie viewers is heightened for effect because, they probably don't analyze movies the way casual movie-goers usually don't. Though this does not excuse these people outright if they are, indeed, familiar with Seuss' work before the films. Because it's not subtle, how much these movies shit on Seuss.

“They're just kids movies, don't take it so seriously.” But, that's my point, these movies are for kids. Kids minds need to be challenged, not pandered to. Giving them mind-numbing nothingness like The Lorax movie or Cars shows that you don't take them seriously as little people with brains that need to exercised and developed. Just because certain books or movies are for kids doesn't mean when creating or adapting those works you should take that halfheartedly.

I watched plenty of movies that I loved as a kid but didn't fully understand until years later. Which, of course, is half the fun of some films, regardless of one's age. Walking away from a movie that makes you think can be very rewarding, whether it's an adult pondering the black monoliths in 2001: A Space Odyssey or a child curious about why The Secret of Nymh is so damned captivating.

This type of experience allows the individual to interpret the movie in their own unique way, often finding elements to the film that may be overlooked by others. This can make the same film mean very different things to different people. Because film is beautifully subjective.

Tell me you knew exactly what was going on the first time, as an adult, you watched Donnie Darko or The Shining. Just because people may not 'get it' right away doesn't mean we should dumb everything down so that it would be impossible for the slowest of the slow not to understand.

Some films are more about discovery, which can create a unique form of entertainment. Film can help people by creating an emotional response in the audience about a fictional setting/character that is an actual reflection of real life, no matter how romanticized. Whether or not you realize it, many movies serve a useful purpose and can provide life lessons. Like the Nostalgia Critic states, saying movies are simply an 'escape' can be highly inaccurate. But I digress.