When a scene is cut, it's usually for a simple reason like pacing; a scene is playing too long, and we want to get to the meat of the action quicker. Sometimes the scene is pulling the film in a direction that the film-makers want to avoid; it might play too dark, or it might be hinting at something that the film-makers don't feel we should explore, so we simplify the story beats and go in another direction. But most of the time it's because even though the scene might be a good one, it doesn't really add anything to the over-all picture, and we could do something a little more interesting. This was one such case. The scene picks up right after Sparky's Day Out- found here:
http://dickiethedolls.blogspot.com/2014/10/another-frankenweenie-update.html
The amazing Sharon Smith and I worked on this scene at different times in the production, so a number of her panels are included here- annotated with the usual red dot:)
Didn't it say in the original script that Victor let Edgar be his partner for the science fair? I wonder why they changed that in the final film.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it did, and originally he was, but I don't remember exactly why we moved away from that idea. Often these types of decisions are made in order to streamline the story, in this case I would guess it was so that we could spend more time with Victor and Sparky. Also, we really liked that Edgar sought the approval of Toshiaki and the other kids, and is swayed into betraying Victors trust. I think it made Edgar a much more three dimensional character.
DeleteAre there other people that worked on the film that might know the reason for this change?
DeleteThe Producer or the Director might remember why exactly they changed that beat.
DeleteI also remembered that there's was an earlier version of Victor's parents finding out about Sparky, as well as a moment with Burgemeister when they're looking for Sparky.
ReplyDeleteThat's right Caroline! I boarded a version of the Bürgermeister scene, it was a fun little awkward moment, right before all hell breaks loose at the festival. I may post it up, but it is very short- maybe as little as 50 or 60 drawings.
DeleteDidn't you also had a post credit scene planned?
DeleteHi Krista,
DeleteI remember pitching an idea for a post credit scene (in keeping with the 50's B movie theme, it was a "Son of Sparky" type teaser) but that was for a version of the story that we toyed with where Sparky wouldn't have survived the Windmill fire. Once it was decided that he should survive, there was need for a post credit scene. Aside from that I don't remember there being much talk of one.
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ReplyDeleteI also remember that the moment where Weird Girl is talking to Victor occurred before the introduction of Mr. Rzykruski in the earlier version. Why was it chosen to be switched around in the final version ?
ReplyDeleteHi Krista,
DeleteI think the reason was that we were front-loaded with character introductions. The film was getting bogged down in new faces, so we decided to cut to the chase: who are the main characters, what is the main conflict or dilemma they face. Mr. Rzykruski has a more important role in forming Victor's plans, Weird girl's role is more important after Sparky was brought back to life, so we placed the introductions where they would have more immediate impact.
Another thing: didn't you also plan to have another moment with the invisible fish?
DeleteThere was more of the invisible fish, I don't remember what the scene was about though. I think it might have been something with Edgar in bed getting scared of the fish's shadow.. I'm not sure- it was a long time ago!
DeleteI think another thing I remember from the original script was that the other kids didn't sneak into the attic after Victor and his parents left to find Sparky. Instead, they were going to try and have Victor tell them how he brought back Sparky only for Mr Whiskers to run inside and have them follow in. Why was this changed in the final film?
ReplyDelete