In this week's episode, we journey into a World of Pure Imagination to discuss fantasy, fairytales, and the endless revisitation of children's media. We investigate the historical influences of the fantasy genre, from classic feudalism to Victorian industrialization, and unpack common motifs from talking animals to hopecore orphans. We also discuss the turn to live-action realistic fairytales, the consequences of this aesthetic and conceptual darkening, the effects of AI on the storytelling and creativity, and more.
Links:
Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes by John Cotton (1656)
The Golden Age of Children's Literature – The Literary Encyclopedia
The Aarne–Thompson–Uther Index of Folktale Types
Under the Influence: Anna Biller on Donkey Skin – Criterion
"Chapter 31: Fairy Tales" from All Things Considered by G. K. Chesterton
"Out of Kansas: Revisiting the Wizard of Oz" by Salman Rushdie for The New Yorker
How Wicked Built Immersive Real-Life Sets, From Shiz To Emerald City – Architectural Digest
Willy's Chocolate Experience (Glasgow, Scotland Scam Willy Wonka Event) Script
Pinnochio: A True Story (2022) Trailer