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An American Tail

An American Tail (1986)

A young mouse named Fievel and his family decide to migrate to America, a "land without cats," at the turn of the 20th century. But somehow, Fievel ends up in the New World alone and must fend off not only the felines he never thought he'd have to deal with again but also the loneliness of being away from home.

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Directed by Don Bluth

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Don Bluth
Producer
  • Don Bluth
  • Tony Geiss
  • Gary Goldman
  • Kathleen Kennedy
  • Frank Marshall
  • John Pomeroy

Reviews

zaynerocks128isback
10/10

I love An American Tail, I used to have an copy of this film and watching it! Better than The Emoji Movie! I wish to rewatch this film.

Feb 10, 2020

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, An American Tail examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Don Bluth brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of An American Tail took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $9.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 129 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 1986, when this film was released:
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While An American Tail shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Finding Nemo, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, An American Tail subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Citizen Kane and The Fifth Element explore similar territory, An American Tail stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 21, 1986
  • Runtime: 1h 20m
  • Budget: $9,000,000
  • Revenue: $84,542,002

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