Don't Watch That, Watch This

     Cartoons are not just for kids anymore.  I came across these two feature-length films, and immediately noticed the striking similairities - both are basically vignettes of short stories and monologues, each section is animated in a different style, and both deal with very adult, dark themes.  If animated films interest you, and you're looking for something more twisted than Ren and Stimpy, look no further.  Turns out only one of these is completely worth your time though.

Don't Watch That:  "Fears of the Dark" ("Peurs du Noir")

Watch This:  "Cartoon Noir"

 Where Fears of the Dark loses:
     Fears of the Dark was not an incredibly awful film by any means.  It was just very...French.  Too much pretentious abstraction and not enough explanation.  Some sections were definitely creepier and easier to follow than other sections.  Some vignettes were a flat-out bore.  The animation was stunning, but to me, some of the stories fell flat.  This film did receive some praise, and does have a fan base; it was even nominated for a Golden Reel Award for Sound Editing.  As far as an "adult cartoon" goes, however, this movie would be a lost cause for most audiences. 
Where Cartoon Noir wins: 
     This animated gem is fantastic.  Six sections of terrifying fun.  Each animation style is impressive in its own right, from stop-motion to pencil.  There are two vignettes by American animators, one vignette by a Spanish animator, and the rest by Eastern European storytellers.  The diversity of cultures was an advantage to this film.  From alien abductions to suicide to mannequins that come to life, cartoons have never been so frightening and alarmingly original.  My personal favorite vignettes were "Ape", "The Cat and the Moon", and "Joy Street".  Overall I loved Cartoon Noir - so much so that I watched it twice.

This is also available on Netflix Watch Instantly (HINT HINT).  

(img sources=cinequest.org / knightscove.com)