Working with writer/producer Zemeckis and multiple Oscar-winner Tom Hanks, Starkey and the rest of the "Polar Express" team pledged to stay true to Van Allsburg's work when adapting the popular children's book for the big screen. To do so, the filmmakers felt it was necessary to employ a new technique, one which they've now dubbed 'Performance Capture.'
INTERVIEW WITH PRODUCER STEVE STARKEY:
Could this movie have been done without using the motion capture technique?
Yes, it could have been done for a billion dollars and it wouldn’t have looked the same. But not in the way that we did it, not in the way that we were able to integrate the performances into this painted look of the film. It couldn’t have been done in any other way. It’s really a technology that allowed us to create the imagery that we all saw in our mind’s eye. So no, I’d say without the technology it would have been a movie that would still probably be on the shelf.
This is a big risk though, isn’t it? It’s something different that people haven’t seen it before.
I think that all movies that are trying something fresh and new are big risks. “Forrest Gump” was a huge risk. It was a linear story, truly, that didn’t have traditional movie structure. This one displays a new form of art that audiences haven’t seen. I think it’s kind of like that ship coming over in the first “Star Wars.” You either believe you’re somewhere out in the middle of the universe, or you don’t. And this is another one. You either believe the boy is living in this place, or you don’t. I think it was a leap that was worth taking, and it works.
Was Tom Hanks always scripted to do five roles in “The Polar Express?”
No, it evolved. Tom started and he was just doing the role of The Conductor. And then as we brought forth the technology, it allows you to play different characters that don’t appear like yourself. Then Bob started considering different characters.
And you’ll do a project like this again?
We actually have another one that just finished. It’s called “Monster House,” using the same technology. And actually it's a quite advanced form of the same technology because it keeps evolving. It’s been two years since we did our performance captures.
From what I understand about the editing process on this film, there could have been hundreds of different ways each scene was cut. Will there be alternate versions?
No. Bob always does the version of the film that he wants to do. Often people say, “Bob, now you have the chance to do the Director’s Cut.” And he says, “I released the Director’s Cut.”
What do you think about releasing “The Polar Express” near the release of “The Incredibles,” another animated film? Does it help, hurt, or not matter?
I don’t think it really does matter. I think the more people go to the movies, the more they get excited about going to the movies. And so I think the more good product that’s in the marketplace, the more people go.
I think you always see when there’s a lot of good movies playing, the box office just seems to expand with them. It doesn’t stay the same. The box office goes way down when there’s nothing to see. So I really think it sort of stimulates the box office in a strange way to have more good movies out at the same time.
Was there ever any consideration given to releasing “The Polar Express” a little closer to Christmas?
We gave the release date consideration but since it’s a Christmas-themed movie, we only have a limited time to play a Christmas movie. The experts at Warner Bros. said we should open it as soon as we can, but at the same time, close to the holiday season.
I know “The Polar Express” is one of 11 animated films eligible for the upcoming Oscars. What do you think of its chances?
I don’t think we necessarily appropriately should be in the animation category because it’s based on live-action performances. It just happens to be stylized in a way that people equate with animation. But in fact, since the performances, which I think are the key to the animated movie, are these beautiful performances that these animators do, that it’s almost a disservice to the form. But, hey, far be it for me to say (laughing).
Additional Interviews from the Premiere of "The Polar Express:"
Nona Gaye / Peter Scolari / Daryl Sabara / Tom Hanks & Robert Zemeckis
