I was spending some time today finalising some of my new projects at the Consolarium for this year when I decided to have a final look at recent and forthcoming releases for all major games consoles. Lots of great stuff coming up but one title that really caught my imagination is the game of the film of the book by Neil Gaiman called Coraline. Now, For those of you into your graphic novels then you'll recognise Gaiman's name from Sandman. I've also read another of his books called Neverwhere which was bizarre and surreal but eminently readable so Coraline is now on my list for purchase this Saturday.
Anyway, although the release date is January 2009 it seems that it just can't be got yet! No sign of it at all on any of the major retailers sites. AS soon as it comes out a copy will be in my hands because I think that this has potential. Have a look and check out the black button eyes in the 'other people'...
In terms of bridging that gap between games and quality narrative I feel that this title might have something real to offer. It might be the case that the game and the book could be studied in tandem? Is this an approach that might work and even bring a new dimension into understanding and relating to the characters and plot? There is also the aesthetic of the stop-motion nature of the movie and the beautiful design which is most similar to The Nightmare before Christmas. Just think what something like I Can Animate by Kudlian could offer learnrs here: making their very own Coraline-esque short movie stop-motion animations. So much to offer here I think that this could be a new must try for schools.
The clips available so far online really look stunning and the short snippets, as well as the game trailer video clip, that I've seen have really made me want to stray into and getv lost in the narrative and mystery of Coraline's 'other world'. This short clip is quite disconcerting, particulalry when you're the last one downstairs and it makes me think that ther suspense that this book/game presents might just give it that edge for it work within an S1/S2 scenario! Will be more sure once I've read the book.
I think there is real scope for suspending learners disbelief with this resource and for taking them to this 'other world' when in class..where their creativity can be inspired by both the story/writing and the aesthetic of the movie adaptation. I'm sure the game will also help encourage and excite those involved. Looking forward to getting my eyes and hands on it.
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