Last week we heard a rumor Leonardo DiCaprio, that heartthrob of the silver screen, may be the man playing the troubled Kaneda in Warner Brother’s live action adaptation of the iconic manga turned anime, Akira. There was some rumbling among the anime community as to whether Leo would do the role credit or if he would foul up the angsty persona of Kaneda.
Akira isn’t the only anime to get the American live action (LA for short) treatment. We also have this summer’s release of the equally debated, Speed Racer, another iconic anime, at least to some. From the minds that brought us the gits inspired Matrix, the Wachowski brothers, is this over the top CG enhanced live action rendition of the old anime. On to the next American helmed live action anime, Dragonball Z.
This anime turned 100 million dollar American-made LA anime in the works, will chronicle the story of Goku and company on the silver screen. All I have to say about a live action DBZ is, “Why?”
All this American support for live action anime productions means potential cash in the studios’ pockets, but what does it mean for American anime fans, besides getting to watch some LA anime? With the way the anime distribution industry is headed, could these films raise awareness of the medium and pump some much needed funds and interest into a flagging industry?
I guess it all depends on how the studios approach the films. If studios pay heed to the feel of the anime and don’t pull any punches in the way of dumbing down contrasting cultural views, will these movies still appeal to Johnny Midwest and, in turn, will anime also be appealing?
It seems it’s already a given that places and names will be changed in the movies to better connect with American audiences. And none of the series chosen so far for the LA treatment have too much anime-ness which could potentially turn off viewers, moe and the concept of bishounen being examples thereof. All these movies so far have subject matter the average American movie goer can connect with: action, sci-fi action, and racing. Seems pretty straight forward. Except when you get to the age of the heroes (15), Neo-Tokyo (in the case of Akira), and the concept of a hidden power being unleashed. Can these themes work? Will movie-goers be open to remade Japanese media, like they were with the Ring? Are Americans ready to embrace different themes?
All things to ponder as you sip your Ramune at an anime club meeting. Perhaps the question US anime fans should most ask ourselves in the midst of this flurry of live action anime production is: “What does live action anime mean for America?” Does it mean quick cash in Hollywood’s pockets? Are they simply easy movie inspirations for a bored and spent writer’s guild? An influx of Japanese influences in storytelling? A shot of silicon for a sagging distribution industry? More anime for fans? What does live action anime mean for America?
Share your thoughts, your concerns, or your hopes in the comments below on the impact (or not) of live action anime in America!
