The deeper meaning behind animation

"You associate and empathize with animated characters than real-life characters"

Well it's obvious isn't it - we don't see ourselves (or wider humanity) when you know that the people on the screen are different to you. The defects are obvious. The physical features are different. It was Charlize Theron's Aileen Wuornos in "Monster". It is why we see something of ourselves in Matisse's portraits - like the one below:

Henri Matisse - Portrait of Lydia Delectorskaya, the Artist's Secretary

Animation is indeed enduringly popular, even with adults. So it is not just the Simpsons, Family Guy, or South Park; the animated medium is also effective in tackling serious issues in a powerful way. This is evident in the animated films, "Persepolis" and "Waltz with Bashir".

"Persepolis" covers the turbulent period in Iran's history from the late 1970s to early 1990s. It is through animation that the story of Marjane, the little girl growing up, comes to life and gives us a feel for what it was like after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, and its political and social ramifications. It gives us a reminder how important history is, in considering the current situation which faces this proud nation, and how the 'Green' Revolution can be seen in the context of its unique political development.

"Waltz with Bashir" is another critically-acclaimed film which deals with the politically explosive issue of Israel's political memory. The story features Ari Folman, the director, who tries to piece together the events that binded him and his fellow soldiers during the Lebanon War. Inevitably, it has not been shown in the majority of Arab countries, but it is an attempt to utilize animation as culture, and to come to terms with political memory and hopefully in the longer term, political reconciliation.

The sometimes surreal or metaphysical nature of both these films is also helped by the freedom that animation affords. Despite the rise of CGI, 3-D glasses, and the like, it is this sort of animation which reminds us of the 'real' progress of the modern greats in art, as epitomised by Matisse and others.