“We are monsters. This is time to let out your monstrousness.”
In the old Grotteskew castle, a mad scientist constantly fabricates, mends, and invents quirky monsters. Stitch Head (Pierre Lebec), his very first creation—a strange little being made of spare parts, forgotten over time—serves as a guide to his master’s new creations. Until the day a circus arrives in town…
Looking for a new attraction, its owner Fulbert Montremonstre (Alain Eloy) attempts by all means to gain access to this monster factory. Stitch Head could very well be the future star of his show…
With Stitch Head, Steve Hudson revisits the myth of Frankenstein in a family film perfect for Halloween. An adventure comedy that plays with the clichés of the horror genre.
Funny Monsters
When you say Halloween films, you say monsters. But you don’t make a monster movie for children the same way you make a monster movie for adults. Adapted from Guy Bass’s novel, which was black and white with more frightening images, the film takes on a slightly different appearance since 3D animation intended for a family audience requires a different aesthetic. The macabre dimension of Pete’s drawings had to welcome color and light into the cinema to remain accessible to young audiences. The director retained the shadows, the castle’s unsettling corners, and the strange, clumsy appearance of the monsters, but added a dose of humor and bright colors.
The film’s genre is inspired by the story of Frankenstein, but the director confronts the non-realistic elements of Frankenstein with reality. For example, he asks questions like: if the professor creates monsters, who takes care of them? Where do they live? And above all, how do they hide their monstrousness so that the villagers don’t burn down the castle?
But Frankenstein isn’t the only one who inspired Hudson. He uses a slightly more subtle humor, playing with background elements to create comedy, much like Buster Keaton did. Buster Keaton’s deadpan acting only works because the camera is as unperturbed as he is. Keaton was also the main source of inspiration for Stitch Head and his deadpan look.
Values to Share
While the film is set in a science-fiction context, its themes are very realistic and appeal not only to children but also to adults. The story is primarily about children growing up without adults. Or at least without an adult’s love. This is one of the most poignant themes in animation history. No matter your age, this story echoes both our desire for freedom and one of our deepest fears: that of not being loved.
For Stitch Head, a castle full of monsters is not synonymous with wonder or terror, but rather an exhausting, solitary, and dead-end job from which he cannot escape. This is how he is seduced by Montremonstre’s promises of love, glory, and beauty. He thus leaves the castle for the dreams offered by show business and celebrity.
It’s hard not to draw a connection with my text this morning on Mukbang. In a world where YouTubers and Instagrammers give the impression of easy fame and the love it (supposedly) brings, a film like Stitch Head brings an important voice.
Ultimately, the film offers values of friendship, self-acceptance, and self-improvement.
A little more…
There is also a demonstration of the harshness of capitalism. It shows clearly, and not-so-funnily, how capitalism works, how this way of life makes it acceptable to hurt people if it allows us to make more money.
But don’t worry, the film remains very amusing and is aimed at all audiences. It doesn’t fall into judgments. It simply shows things as they are in a world like ours.
Also rest assured that the film will make you laugh while touching that little inner emotion that will make your heart a little heavy. For adults, the message remains to see that there is a difference between being loved and having fans. Yes, I assure you.
