Meaning: The quote "Polar Express is not an attempt to do animation. It is a technology-based film" by Leonard Maltin, a well-known film critic, sheds light on the unique approach taken by the creators of the movie "Polar Express." This quote highlights the distinction between traditional animation and the innovative technology-driven techniques employed in the making of the film. In analyzing this quote, it is important to explore the context of the movie, the technology used in its production, and the impact of this approach on the animation industry.

Released in 2004, "Polar Express" is a Christmas-themed animated film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the children's book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The movie follows the magical journey of a young boy who embarks on a train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. What sets "Polar Express" apart from conventional animated films is the groundbreaking use of motion capture technology. This technology involves recording the movements of actors and then translating them into animated characters, resulting in a unique blend of live-action and animation.

Leonard Maltin's assertion that "Polar Express is not an attempt to do animation" challenges the traditional understanding of animation as a purely hand-drawn or computer-generated process. Instead, he emphasizes the film's reliance on technology as a defining feature. This distinction reflects the transformative impact of motion capture technology on the animation industry, blurring the lines between live-action and animation and opening up new possibilities for storytelling and visual expression.

From a technical standpoint, "Polar Express" employed state-of-the-art motion capture technology to bring its characters to life. The performances of the actors, including Tom Hanks in multiple roles, were captured using special sensors and cameras to record their movements and facial expressions. This data was then used to create digital representations of the characters, retaining the nuances of the actors' performances while translating them into animated form. The result was a visually striking and immersive cinematic experience that pushed the boundaries of what animated films could achieve.

In addition to its technological innovations, "Polar Express" also pioneered the use of 3D animation in mainstream cinema. The film was presented in IMAX 3D, offering audiences a heightened sense of depth and realism. This further reinforced the idea that "Polar Express" was not just an animated movie but a technological marvel that revolutionized the way stories could be told through the fusion of cutting-edge technology and artistic vision.

Maltin's characterization of "Polar Express" as a "technology-based film" underscores the impact of the movie beyond its narrative and visual appeal. By embracing and advancing motion capture and 3D animation, the film propelled the animation industry into a new era of technological exploration and experimentation. It inspired filmmakers and animators to explore innovative techniques and tools, ultimately influencing the evolution of animation as a medium.

In conclusion, Leonard Maltin's quote regarding "Polar Express" illuminates the film's pioneering use of technology in the realm of animation. By challenging the conventional notion of animation and emphasizing the film's reliance on groundbreaking technology, Maltin highlights the transformative impact of "Polar Express" on the animation industry. The movie's innovative approach to motion capture and 3D animation not only redefined the possibilities of animated storytelling but also paved the way for future advancements in the field. As a result, "Polar Express" remains a testament to the power of technology to push the boundaries of creativity and imagination in filmmaking.