Key Takeaways:
– Hayao Miyazaki, acclaimed anime director, emphasizes the importance of ‘Ma’ or pause in films.
– The ‘Ma’ technique introduced by Miyazaki provides a break in the constant action, increasing the impact of the story.
– Miyazaki’s approach contrasts with Hollywood’s continuous, action-driven storytelling.
– Studio Ghibli’s success can be ascribed to their unique approach to storytelling with ‘Ma’.
– Breaks or pauses in films allow the viewer’s mind to rest and their anticipation for the story to build.
Hayao Miyazaki – A Master Animator’s Perspective
Japanese Anime director Hayao Miyazaki’s contributions to the film industry are legendary. With multiple Academy Awards to his name, his work continues to stand out. The charm of his films lies not just in their detailed animation, but also in their storytelling techniques. One such unique feature is the use of ‘Ma’, a Japanese concept described best as ‘pause’ or ‘negative space’.
Understanding ‘Ma’ – The Break in Storytelling
In an interview with renowned film critic Roger Ebert, Miyazaki expounded on the concept of ‘Ma’ in movies. Unlike Hollywood films packed with non-stop action, Miyazaki believes in the power of silence or moments of inactivity. He argued that a movie made up entirely of action sequences could exhaust its viewers, numbing them to the intensity of the story.
Instead, Miyazaki insisted that films should balance activity with calm. This break or ‘Ma’ allows the tension in the film to expand. It creates a reprieve where anticipation for the story can build.
The Magic of ‘Ma’ in Anime Films
Miyazaki’s ‘Ma’ or use of tranquil pauses, provides room for contemplation and emotional depth. It makes his films stand out against mainstream Hollywood content, known for its continuous action. This pause, he argued, should not be seen as a gap, but a break that heightens the impact of the narrative.
According to Miyazaki, filmmakers often fill pauses with activity for fear of losing the audience’s attention. However, this constant, high-paced intensity could cause the viewer to lose focus. He believes that real engagement comes from the film’s underlying emotions that are often expressed in moments of silence or ‘Ma’.
Emotions Over Shock Factor
What sets Studio Ghibli apart from other filmmaking houses is their ability to connect to human emotions, rather than exploiting the shock value of actions. Ghibli works take the time to allow the audience to absorb and understand the characters and their emotions. This paves the way for a deeper connection with the story and shows why the Studio’s movies resonate with viewers worldwide.
In conclusion, the secret to Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s continued success is their skillful balancing of action sequences with ‘Ma’ or tranquil pauses. These breaks allow viewers to breathe, understand the narrative and characters better, and heighten their anticipation. Not just visually striking, Ghibli’s movies are magnets for deep emotional connections, owing to the magic of ‘Ma’. It’s a cinema lesson that Hollywood may want to take note of.
