“Animation For Adults” Film Series Will Screen in Los Angeles

Beginning next Thursday, January 9, and continuing through January 25, the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles will present the film series “Animation for Adults. It’s a great opportunity to view an admirable, if not particularly adventurous, selection of animated features from filmmakers such as Hayao Miyazaki, Ralph Bakshi, Satoshi Kon and Jan Svankmajer. Here is the description of the film series, which was compiled by programmers Grant Moninger and Gwen Deglise:

Box office juggernauts from Disney, Pixar and Dreamworks have turned the entertainment of children into a multi-billion dollar global business, but as the new film from Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki—the Golden-Globe nominated The Wind Rises—reminds us, there’s more to animation than just cartoons for kids.

While family-friendly, Miyazaki films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Castle in the Sky were made with an attention to detail that might be lost on youngsters. Similarly, the high-velocity manga-inspired visuals of Cowboy Bebop: The Movie or Paprika presuppose a pretty sophisticated audience. Animation can also work effectively with adult themes, whether they be sexual (Fritz the Cat, Heavy Traffic) or philosophical (Fantastic Planet, Waking Life).

Program also includes Heavy Metal, American Pop, Tokyo Godfathers, Metropolis (2001), Lunacy, and a short film showcase.

The Egyptian Theatre is located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets and more info, visit the American Cinematheque website.