Wallace and Gromit is a popular British animated franchise created by Nick Park. The main characters are Wallace, an eccentric inventor, and his loyal dog, Gromit. The franchise includes several short films, a feature-length film, and a series. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is one of the most famous installments of the Wallace and Gromit franchise. It is a stop-motion animated film that was released in 2005. The film follows Wallace and Gromit as they run a pest control business called "Anti-Pesto" to protect the town's vegetable gardens from rabbits.
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Declared a legal holiday in Louisiana in 1875, Mardi Gras actually dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility celebrations in ancient Rome. Due to her father s immense wealth and fame, along with her unwavering beauty, Germaine was repeatedly crowned Queen of Mardi Gras, elected more times than any other woman in New Orleans history.
The film follows Wallace and Gromit as they run a pest control business called "Anti-Pesto" to protect the town's vegetable gardens from rabbits. However, they face a new challenge when a giant rabbit-like creature starts terrorizing the gardens at night. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit incorporates elements of horror and comedy, making it a unique and enjoyable film for both children and adults.
Mardi Gras Beginnings
Since Mardi Gras is cancelled in Orleans and St Tammany Parish this year, it seemed to be a good idea to keep the festivities alive by learning a bit more about our shared tradition.
As one might expect of a custom like Mardi Gras, its origins are rather hazy or, at least, more complicated than one might first imagine. When we think of Mardi Gras today, we think of the parades and pageantry of our Carnival season, but how did this start? What did the first Mardi Gras parade look like?
Let’s rewind the clock to Mardi Gras 1857, and the Krewe of Comus is throwing the first Mardi Gras parade (as we would surely recognize it). The celebration is small by today’s standard, with only 2 floats, but certain features are unmistakably familiar.
Alongside the floats, there are the people in masks and costumes, dressed according to the parade's theme—“The Demon Actors in Milton’s Paradise Lost.” Tapestries presented scenes based on that theme, much in the way some modern floats integrate giant screens into their procession today. And in the place of modern LED lights to dazzle onlookers, flambeaux–thick-wicked torches–lit up Comus and his moving throne, Lucifer and his volcano, and the masks of all the costumed marchers following close behind.
By 1857 other customs fell into place too, like the naming tradition of the pageant crew. A Greek name was chosen: Komos, the cupbearer and son of the Dionysus (himself the god of wine and ritual madness), seemed to be a good fit. They decidedly gave it “an Anglo twist” by spelling it Comus but kept the Greek spelling for "krewe," harkening back to the ancient tradition of carnival (Tassin and Stall 25).
The end result was nothing short of the captivating spectacle of merriment we know it to be today and perhaps even more so. For many in the crowd, this was an entirely new experience.
After all, it was the first ever Mardi Gras.
If you'd like to learn more about the history of Mardi Gras or about the ancient Greek and Roman gods many of our krewes are named after, we have plenty to offer!
For information on the history of Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras and Bacchus: Something Old, Something New , opens a new window by Myron Tassin and Gaspar Stall (1984) is a great place to start. From our reference collection, have a look at New Orleans Masquerade , opens a new window by Arthur Burton La Cour (1952) for more information on Comus.
If you'd like to read more about the Greek and Roman gods that have become a staple of Mardi Gras, search our online catalog here , opens a new window .
Or if you are interested in looking at historical photos of Mardi Gras, click on the Louisiana Digital Library , opens a new window on our database page!
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MANAGE WISHLISTS
The animation is meticulously crafted and emphasizes the charm of the characters and their quirky inventions. One of the standout features of the film is the witty and clever humor, which is a trademark of the Wallace and Gromit franchise. The film has numerous jokes and visual gags that are cleverly woven into the narrative, offering laughs for audiences of all ages. Another aspect that makes The Curse of the Were-Rabbit memorable is its heartwarming story. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and acceptance. Wallace and Gromit's bond is tested as they try to solve the mystery behind the giant rabbit creature, and their determination to protect the town's vegetables creates a compelling narrative. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit has received critical acclaim for its animation, writing, and voice acting. It won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, further solidifying the franchise's success. Overall, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a delightful and entertaining addition to the Wallace and Gromit franchise. It showcases the charm, humor, and creativity that make these characters beloved by audiences worldwide. Whether you're a fan of animation, comedy, or simply enjoy a good story, this film is a must-watch..
Reviews for "The Impact of Wallace and Gromit on Stop-Motion Animation"
1. Mike - 2/5 - I didn't enjoy "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" as much as I thought I would. The humor felt forced and the story lacked depth. The characters didn't resonate with me and I found them to be uninteresting. The animation, though impressive, couldn't make up for the weak plot. Overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - While "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" had its moments, I wasn't completely taken with it. The humor was hit or miss, and I found some of the jokes to be too childish for my taste. The plot felt predictable and lacked surprises. The animation was impressive, as always, but it wasn't enough to make this film memorable for me. It's an okay watch if you're looking for something light-hearted, but don't expect too much.
3. John - 2/5 - "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" didn't impress me at all. The characters felt one-dimensional and the story line dragged on. The jokes were forced and didn't land with me. I found myself checking my watch, waiting for it to end. The animation was impressive, but it couldn't save this film from being a disappointment. If you're a die-hard fan of Wallace and Gromit, you might enjoy it, but otherwise, I would pass on this one.
4. Emily - 2/5 - I was really looking forward to "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" but ended up feeling disappointed. The humor felt outdated and didn't resonate with me. The story felt recycled and lacked originality. While the animation was well done, it couldn't compensate for the lack of substance in the plot. Overall, it was a forgettable film that didn't leave a lasting impression.
5. David - 3/5 - "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit" was just okay for me. The humor had its moments, but overall, it felt a bit forced. The characters were likable, but I didn't find them particularly memorable. The animation was well done, as expected from Aardman, but I couldn't help but feel that there was something missing in this film. It's a decent watch if you're a fan of the series, but otherwise, it's nothing extraordinary.