I am not sure if I have ever made a review of Shrek before, it's a film that we all know and mostly love but one that I have seen countless times, less and less in the more recent years. A film that was followed with spin-off films still being released, and sequels which somewhat tarnished the original's quality as the box office earnings and DVD sales continued to show strength. Shrek is a bit of an oddity within the western animation world. Released at a time where films were just really starting to get into 3D computer generated imagery in their animation, following the already rather established success and names that were first introduced with Pixar. Though Dreamworks followed in that area, only to never really break free and increase in the animation quality. Dreamworks, in recent years, seems to have stagnated quite a bit. Mostly releasing films for international audiences that seem rather cheap, and less original. Making Shrek a success in its era, but also a unique animation release to see such success despite not really being attached to the usual Disney brands.
Shrek remains loved, however, and was even the fuel to a plethora of internet culture through references and strange animations that exacerbated Shrek's character. Turning him into something that only amplified the reach the film and its character had. Shrek being a family film that certainly didn't feel like it was made with a specific demographic in mind, using its fairytale ideas and pushing them beyond what is expected and turning it upside down. The idea of a fairytale land in which all farytales live among each other is quite unique, especially as we see the chaos and idiocy that it brings as magic, mythical creatures, and everyday society are mixed into one. Though we could argue that it holds some similarities to reality, where things really do seem like a circus sometimes. Perhaps it seems to be a bit strange to be capable of somewhat analysing Shrek, but it shows that it is a film that goes beyond what you see at face value; not to argue that it is a deep film, but that Shrek managed to stand out for clear reasons.
Shrek
Within this style of animation we are used to the idea of fairytale adventures in which the idea of destiny and fate are utilised. Where characters get their call to action that places them into victorious and successful events, facing challenges along the way and becoming loved by all. Their hardships often a result of some manipulation from others, where sometimes our protagonist is beaten down but in line to achieve something greater, though it's often something that is stolen from them. Shrek still utilises these ideas, but slightly twists them enough to almost seem as if they aren't entirely present. Shrek being an Ogre that lives peacefully in the middle of nowhere, wanting to be alone in a swamp and pursue a comfortable, lonesome quiet life away from civilisation, one that seems to find him repuslive. Shrek's call to action isn't necessarily that he is destined for something greater, but that his comfortable life remains threatened by civilisation as it throws away its undesirables into his swamp. Shrek then accepting the dangerous quest of retrieving a princess from a castle in return for his swamp back. Though we could argue that this call to action still pertains to the fairytale nature, that this event is Shrek's fate.
This story throws our unlikely protagonist into the world he's tried so hard to avoid, turning him into our hero that defies the general traits of what a hero should appear as: strong, charismatic, handsome, and ultimately human. Shrek's no knight in shining armour, but there's something to be said about his character and introduction to the greater world as the film progresses. Displaying more positive traits than everyone else. Though of couse the film isn't free from the usual story structure in which the hero does things alone, it still closely follows the story structure in which he finds help from others, of course others just as unfortunate as he is. The outcasts within the fairytale world; those who don't often have great endings that result in luxury and happiness. This isn't without its drama still, however, as well as its minor twists that take characters and events into supposed unexpected areas. Diving again into the idea of what good and heroism really is within this fairytale world. In a way there certainly is some societal commentary in the film, pointing out the flaws of a judgemental society that perceives beauty over good intentions. Pushing the weak aside and only praising the allegded strong. This is where the film shows that community ultimately is what matters, as the characters of castaways group together.
The more sensitive side of Shrek is met with equal humour, however. Shrek's attitude is one that seems more introverted, quieter, but very much happy to speak his mind. Our contrast to Shrek is his companion, Donkey, which serves as an extroverted counter. Never shutting up, happy to talk, but also rather fragile like Shrek. Their relationship coming together out of a strange necessity to be near each other, despite Shrek's often denial of it. Which is more typical of someone with a more introverted nature. What ensues is this story of two characters that are very different, but similar in the way they're treated, and how the two engage with the greater world. The humour that follows is rather loose, jokes about pretty much everything: from getting hit in the balls to jokes about height. Very little is taken seriously within this world, and in a way it's showing the audience that we too can live in such a manner. Where little can be taken so seriously, and to joke about everything is to accept your supposed flaws and enjoy life.
Dated Animation Holds Shrek Back
A big problem with these more computer generated animations from yeseryear is how dated they begin to look, especially compared to animations done by hand. Shrek, much like the Pixar films from before, may have dominated the industry in how they used computers in the past, but now look almost nightmarish. The animation seems glossy, much like an old video game. Where shapes are evident and textures are not all that appealing. It is mostly evident in regards to the backgrounds, which are rendered in a way that displays the shapes and edges that contain the objects and scenery. Characters faces and bodies are also animated in a glossy manner, which make their skin look almost doll-like. Coated in what could be referred to as a grease. This animation style suits Shrek and other mythical and fantasy creatures, but not so much the humans. It goes into their movements which don't feel so human and authentic either.
Ultimately it is an outcome of the dated technique of animation. Hand drawn animation certainly would've been better, but Shrek was made in an era where such technology was really taking off, and Pixar's own creations had managed to gain an incredible amount of recognition which only contributed to the film's success through word of mouth and media attention regarding such technicals. Of course these films were still controversial for the ways in which they somewhat replaced the need for hand drawn art, but that's a different argument to make entirely. Though it doesn't make Shrek any less enjoyable, it's still a solid, unique take on the idea of fantasy world and the many characters that live within them. How not all see success and happy lives. How some are beaten down and ignored, but also how some of them manage to make a comeback and find some meaning to their lives after. I don't think we've really seen anything similar to Shrek since, in regards to not only its popularity, but impact within pop culture. Particularly when taking into consideration is music choices!