Viewing Log: Ernest & Celestine (2012)

Director: Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner
Distributor: StudioCanal (France); Cinéart (Belgium)

A bear named Ernest and a mouse named Celestine form an unlikely friendship.

• The film is based on a series of children's books of the same name published by the Belgian author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent.

Story

• Ernest the Bear is initially presented as a seemingly unlikeable character. He doesn't speak much and seems to be quite grumpy. By the end of the story, the audience will grow to love him
• The story comments on social injustice - the presumption of bears being superior to mice
• Celestine tries to obstruct the norm

Mise-en-scene

• Aesthetic style similar to story book as it is aimed at kids. It reminds me of other children's books such as The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and We're Going on a Bear Hunt
• Simplistic watercolour backgrounds
• Minimal details within the settings

Camera

• Simplistic use of camera - usually 'shot' face on
• Alternates between establishing shots, mid shots and close ups

Sound

• Orchestral sounds such as violin and trumpet to represent movement
• Ambient sounds - bird chirping, church bells to build up setting

I'm mostly inspired by the design of this film. Although it is aimed at children, I'm quite fond of the watercoloured backgrounds and would like to experiment with using a similar style. I also thought it was interesting how the film had a deeper social context aside from just being about a Mouse and Bear becoming friends.