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Moriarty's Rumblings From The Lab #14Interview with Miyazaki

Great Interview by Walter Burns	Sep 21st, 1999 05:32:50 AM
Well done. Am really looking forwards to this one as have seen most of Miyazaki's stuff and really liked it (even if, in Porco Rosso's case it's a video French dub - and I don't speak French, or in Kiki's case, its a video Cantonese dub and I dont....). Suprised that there is no flying in this one though - this sounds like a first. :) Now please, put me out of my mysery - does anyone but anyone know if this is going to be released in the UK, or am I going to have to wait until I can get another foreign language PAL viedeotape...
Superb Interview by Kinetic	Sep 21st, 1999 06:01:10 AM
Wow! You're a lucky guy Moriarty! Thanks for sharing the drawing and autograph. Great interview. Miyazaki came across just as I imagined (and hoped)he might: a strong and wise individual, humble, and kind of cool. His answer about his portrayal of children is dead on and American filmmakers should take note. Kids aren't mini-adults or mini-morons, they have a energy to life that is exclusive among them. Miyazaki perfectly captures that in Kiki and Totoro. Can't wait for Monoke! The Brattle Theater in Cambridge, Mass. is having an advanced screening. Whoo-hoo!
You Lucky, Lucky Bastard by Joe Buck	Sep 21st, 1999 06:01:54 AM
Great job, Moriarty, Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli produce by far the world's best animation. Kiki and Totoro are masterpieces of art and humanity. I can't wait to see Mononoke and more of his work. I wish I could get to LA for the festival. Disney is supposed to release Laputa next year, and hopefully Porco Rosso too. Anyone who thinks that Japanese Anime is all big-eyed girls, chicks in leather, and giant robots should watch Kiki, Totoro, and especially Grave of the Fireflies for the heights that animation can reach. I finally saw Grave over the weekend and was left speechless and in tears. I've never seen the hurt, pain, and injustice the world can inflict, portrayed in such a manner before. One thing I had wished you'd asked Mr. Miyazaki was about DVD. The last I heard Miyazaki still had little interest in DVD, I think Grave of the Fireflies is the only Ghibli movie on DVD. I would like to know if there agreement with Disney includes DVD (which is generally a seperate rights issue from video). Even though Disney/BV is the worst studio out there DVD-wise, I would buy any Miyazaki they put out regardless of the bare bones treatment. Thanks again Moriarty
Thank you, Miyazaki by Uncle Cracky	Sep 21st, 1999 06:41:24 AM
Reading this interview was definitely a humbling experience. It is always interesting to hear the actual words of an artist after one has become familiar with his/her work. But it is fascinating when you can hear his/her voice within the art itself. Nothing Miyazaki said surprised me. All the answers are in his films. This is the first time in my life that I have longed for the end of October for any other reason besides Halloween!
Coolest Autograph Ever! by mrbeaks	Sep 21st, 1999 06:49:21 AM
It's a dreary Tuesday morning here in NYC. I'm looking forward, none too enthusiastically, to yet another long day of thankless work, and here I see this wonderful little drawing that leaves me with a big, childlike smile. Thanks, man..... I needed that. Great interview, BTW!
Castle in the Sky release by Vinnieb	Sep 21st, 1999 07:13:31 AM
Has anyone heard a date for Disney's release of Castle in the Sky? On the Kiki tape they say it's "1999" but no more. Any news?
How about a trade? by narf	Sep 21st, 1999 09:31:18 AM
Hey Moriarty, I MUST have the Totoro-sketch autograph NOW. I will trade you an autographed copy of Donny Osmond's "Alone Together" on vinyl AND an autographed poster of Lisa Loeb for it. How about that, AND I'll be your best friend and call you dude?
genius.. tho not as evil as moriarty. by Devils Halo	Sep 21st, 1999 11:48:19 AM
It's been a long time since I've seen Nausicaa and Laputa.. one of those lucky times in my life where it paid off to be in college for special campus screenings at CSU-LongBeach. Miyazaki gave me a new and different appreciation for anime. His softer feel, exquisite camera movements, not as harsh as Akira or as comical as Lupin and certainly not Urotsukidoji, but free flowing beauty that glides across the screen. I look forward to seeing Mononoke, the trailers look fantastic. Hopefully, I'll have money left to grab the second Intron Depot from Masamune Shirow.
Thesis: Moriarty. . .supreme dick-head. by koonchu	Sep 21st, 1999 03:46:51 PM
Of all the industry forcefed, market, techno-babble that usually spouts from Moriarty's mouth--why, oh, WHY did it have to gush forward during a MIYAZAKI interview!?!?! WHy didn't you mention the many similarities between Nausicaa and Mononoke? What about his obvious lean towards the environment? WHat does he hope to attain from continuously making films seemingly in defense of nature? What pushes him to be so in favor of it? In my opinion, I think an Animerica interview with Miyazaki did the man more justice. JEE-ZIS! On a site that SEEMINGLY (notice how I capitalize "seemingly" kids) pushes for creative excellence, the creative process, etc, etc, -- Moriarty fudge-packed on asking some SERIOUSLY helpful questions to the many artists who visit this site. Personally, I think the regret will eventually descend on Moriarty; he'll one day realize the MAJESTY of content that Miyazaki has contributed and inspired within the animation community. . .and he will KICK himself. I hope this film fails. If Moriarty represents the average American viewer, then we just don't deserve stuff like this. -K
Miramax doesn't "get it" by joekun	Sep 21st, 1999 03:51:29 PM
If Miramax "got it" they would have taken the time to correctly pronounce the title in the trailer. As it stands now, those of us who actually know how to pronounce "Mononoke" must suffer eternally to that annoying pronunciation "Mana-no-Key" forced on us by Miramax. Is Mononoke difficult to pronounce? Perhaps the "ke" sound is a little difficult, but "Mono-no-kay" would have been a perfectly good and acceptable English equivalent. When people hear the pronunciation on the trailer that will become the "correct" pronunciation for the title by default, why not make it the correct one?
DwD: The Miyazaki Obsession by DwDunphy	Sep 21st, 1999 04:00:21 PM
For those who get to see "Princess Mononoke", be prepared. I recently viewed fansubbed tapes of both "Nausicaa" and "Mononoke Hime" and can say, without doubt, that not only is Miyazaki's work expansive, imaginative and leagues beyond the standard of both American and Japanese animation but it is highly addictive. Trust me, the stuff spoils you.
Not done bitching. Mother voice played by Anderson!?!?!?! by koonchu	Sep 21st, 1999 04:01:09 PM
Is it me or has no one even mentioned that the Mother Wolf voice was originally portrayed in a male-like monotone voice--much like all the other animal-gods. This totally stressed that there really is no gender in Miyazaki's view of nature--it compliments the sexual tension between the human world of Ashitaka and San, of course. And who's doing the voice of Mother Wolf??? Gillian Anderson??!?!?! Thank you Hollywood. You bastard. -K
miyazaki goodness by gaveltogavel	Sep 21st, 1999 04:10:00 PM
Thank you for the great Miyazaki interview, Moriarty. It gave me a needed glimpse into the mind of one of my favorite artists. And that Totoro drawing!!!! I shudder with envy. Man, that Miyazaki's work with line is breathtaking even in a simple autograph sketch. I poured over his line breaks and scratches for a good 15 minutes on that little drawing. AMAZING!!! You know, seeing it made me want to see Totoro again, which, is a difficult thing to say. I've only seen the dubbed version and it was almost unwatchable for me. The story was beautiful. The animation was fantastic. BUT, man, those voice actors were laaaaaaame. Those first 15-20 minutes of Totoro where the girls are running through their new house giggling? damn, I thought I felt blood dripping from my ears. Those giggles haunt me in my sleep. I really need to see the subbed version. Anyhow, I too am sitting on the edge of my seat for the American release of Castle In the Sky, as the preview at the beginning of Kiki did mention it would be released in 1999. My guess is that they're (Disney) is holding it back until they see how Mononoke does. It'd be great if Mononoke kicked ass and Disney gave Castle a theatrical release instead of shoving it out on video. Finally, if any of yall want to check out a really good, quiet, nicely-told NON-Miyazaki story(anime, film, whatever), go pick up a copy of Night of the Galactic Railroad. It's another truly excellent piece of story-telling from the land of the rising sun.
Miyazaki by tgdbar	Sep 21st, 1999 06:29:45 PM
Thank you for a wonderful interview with one of the true greats of animation. The Totoro sketch is spectacular, thank you for sharing it with us. I treasure the 2 foot long plush catbus I got at a convention years ago. I have people threaten me over it all the time. I envy you the thrill of seeing the other titles for the first time. I have known and loved them for years. To the naysayer who was griping about why didn't Moriarty ask about the similiarities between Nausicaa and Monoke. It is awkward to ask those kinds of questions, when you have not seen Nausicaa. Thank you once again for a wonderful article.
Moriarty I am confused by Efihp	Sep 21st, 1999 06:40:07 PM
You wrote, "When he spoke, it was so soft that I had to lean in to hear him'. Why would you need to lean over to hear him, as he spoke through a translator?
Miyazaki's "thinking sound" and Moro's voice by Izmunuti	Sep 21st, 1999 11:22:24 PM
To Moriarty: Don't be alarmed at Miyazaki's "thinking sound"; it's very common among Japanese speakers, especially men. Re the voice of Moro (Mononokehime's wolf mother): Moro's voice was done by Akihiro Miwa, a famous Japanese transvestite actor/singer/entertainer. Because his voice is instantly recognizable to most Japanese viewers, it adds an element of gender ambiguity to Moro.
['Ere I get flamed . . .] The above refers to Moro's voice in th by Izmunuti	Sep 21st, 1999 11:38:37 PM

interview by munster	Sep 22nd, 1999 12:25:34 AM
I ENVY YOU!!!!!!!!
BAKA!!! by JetAlone	Sep 22nd, 1999 01:03:33 AM
What the fuck is up with you, Sarin Rufus??? You sound like a foulmouthed little punk who didn't get enough love at home. You no doubt ARE a foulmouthed little punk with issues of unfocused rage towards authority in general. Tell it to your therapist and spare the rest of us your impotent little rants.
nice interview by zathras2	Sep 22nd, 1999 02:52:09 AM
Thanks for the interview, and esp. for making Miyazaki's signature available for all of us! I'll print it out and put it on my wall. And there's no reason to tease moriarty -- most american otaku are like that when they just get started. Now we must send him a copy of the Nausicaa LD and the book (Perfect Collection Box Set). No, Miramax does not quite "get it", but I suppose that is to be excuseable also. Yes, the Japanese long trailers were better. My idea for a better trailer: No voices, no dialogue, no narration, just some music and some of the best animated parts; then END with the title (on black). And show the Japanese characters in the title also. That should get people's interest. Also, are they going to release the subtitled version theatrically or not? I mean its not like the sub won't make money, esp. among the art crowd that Miramax caters to. Given the choice I'll take the sub.
Shoe Shine Boys by Boddhisattva	Sep 22nd, 1999 04:54:38 PM
WHAT A MOVIE! Why isn't HOLLYWOOD making stuff like this?! I saw it at the Santa Monica Film Festival last week, and I tripped out. Not only is it hysterically funny, and entertaining as hell, it carries a massive message. And that's important. And that's where Hollywood is missing the train over and over again. So why isn't Shoe Shine Boys in the theatres yet? I WANT MORE!!! Thanks SOOOOO much for news on this hidden treasure. --Joseph
Whispers of the heart by fuzzyhobbit	Sep 23rd, 1999 12:04:40 AM
Although I love Ghibli's films--including Last Unicorn, Mononoke, and Grave of the Fireflies; my favorite is Whispers of the Heart. Everyone should see this, especially creative people who are aspiring in art, music, or writing. It is amazing. I hope against hope that it is released here. Everyone, run and see it(along with Unicorn, and Grave) before Mononoke. Ghibli are geniuses. Kevin H. Ohannessian fuzzyhobbit@hotmail.com
Unicorn, whisper by zathras2	Sep 23rd, 1999 10:10:30 PM
Are you sure Last Unicorn was a Ghibli film? I thought it was just an american production with the animation contracted out to a Japanese studio (not Ghibli if I remember). If anyone has a copy of it they can answer this. I thought Unicorn wasn't that great, actually, although it does give one a 'funny feeling' by the end... I saw Whisper but it wasn't fansubbed so I didn't quite 'get it' (my japanese isn't very good)... I'll have to find a fansub I guess(when is Disney releasing it?!). I'll reserve judgement until then. Fireflies was my favorite, although it wasn't a Miyazaki film, as I remember. And don't forget Nausicaa as a Miyazaki film, even though it wasn't a Ghibli film (though the book is 10x better, imho).
Last Unicorn and Studio Ghibli by Pazu	Sep 24th, 1999 08:32:36 AM
Fuzzyhobbit got it part right. A lot of the same people worked on Last Unicorn and on Ghibli films, but LU isn't a Ghibli film. LU was a US production by Rankin-Bass and they hired the Japanese studio "Topcraft" to do the animation work. ("Topcraft" also did the animation for R-B's "The Hobbit" and "Return of the King ".) When Tokuma hired Miyazaki to do Nausicaa there was no Studio Ghibli, so they also hired "Topcraft" to do the animation under Miyazaki's direction. After the success of Nausicaa, Miyazaki and Tokuma created a new company called Studio Ghibli for all their future films, and a group of animators from "Topcraft" came over to work for Miyazaki at the new studio. See http://utd500.utdallas.edu/~ha irston/lastunicorn.html for more information.

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Moriarty's Rumblings From The Lab #14Interview with Miyazaki

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