In honour of the Halloween season and the re-release of ParaNorman in cinemas, I thought I’d geek out a little. The 2012 claymation stop-motion film is well established in queer canon, due to having one of the first representations of an openly gay character, Mitch Downe, that isn’t used as a heavily-stereotyped token. After watching it in Dundee Cineworld, I noticed other, not-so subtle comments and particularities that highlighted relevant links to queer discussion points including: a historically relevant link between the themes of witch-hunting and social ostracisation, and of mental illness and queer identity as evidenced through dialogue, imagery and metaphor.
Imagery of mental illness throughout the movie is shown most obviously through the character of Norman’s uncle Mr. Prenderghast. Upon our introduction to his character, he is looking at photos of Norman. His portrayal as “deranged” is seen as he tips over a shelf of pill bottles. In suggesting a view of Mr. Prenderghast as mentally and physically unwell, his death is foreshadowed and the cruel treatment of Norman is informed by his paralleled characterisation as we find out that his uncle could see the dead too.
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| Mr. Prenderghast's shelf, holding at least 6 pill bottles. One tipped over, with 5 pills spilling out onto the surface of the shelf. |
“Oh, please! Sensitive is writing poetry and being lousy at team sports, not this [seeing ghosts]! I won’t have him turn out like an uncle of yours. If that crazy old tramp has been around here putting ideas in Norman’s head…!”.
This moment of concern expressed by his father showcases the stigma surrounding the “crazy” or mentally ill. Also, the on-the-nose, humorous reference to stereotypes that are associated with homosexuality in men and boys used within this section of speech can show links between fear or misunderstanding of mental illness as well as that of queerness. As Norman’s father continues, the homophobic comments continue, while far more upfront in their disapproval.
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| Norman standing between his arguing parents. His father on the left, with his face out of frame, and his mother on the right with her head level to Norman's. |
“Oh, stop indulging him! I’m nothing if I’m not liberal, but that limp wristed hippy garbage needs to be nipped in the bud!”
Resentment of the notion that fear is a reason for ill-treatment of people seen as different is expressed by Norman as he speaks to his mother. She is trying to support him whilst also trying to excuse his father’s comment suggesting that he wished Norman was not born with his ability to see what others cannot.
Sandra, Norman’s Mother: You know, sometimes people say things that seem mean, but they do it because they’re afraid.Norman Babcock: He’s my dad. He shouldn’t be afraid of me.
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| A straight-on frame of Norman's mother through the opened car window of their family car. |
This, of course, sets a tone for Norman’s struggle with acceptance - highlighting the importance of familial support in a world of cruelty. Additionally, it foregrounds the relief that comes later on as the town is saved and we hear Norman’s father say “Well done, son. You did it” - a 180 degree turn, and a heart-warming ending are characteristic of family movies such as this one.
One of the main premises of the movie is witch-hunting, which engaged me to reflect on the ways the practice of witch-hunting was grounded in ignorance, fear, and negative opinion of women seen as different; including the un-married and the mentally ill.
As we learn about Agatha, the young girl persecuted for witchcraft, we follow the story of her life and how she came to set a curse on the town of Blithe Hallow, Massachusetts – where Norman lives. Like Norman, Agatha had the ability to see and communicate with the dead. The judges of the witch-trial and the town of Blithe Hallow both held onto fear of difference, which became the primary issue that led to the killing of Agatha and bullying that Norman faced.
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| An frame from an elevated point of view, showing Agatha and Norman in a dark room surrounded by 6 figures, those who persecuted Agatha for witchcraft. |
As it is re-iterated throughout the movie, the idea of fear as the reason people treat Norman badly is used as an excuse at times, or at least an explanation. Agatha and Norman’s treatment is reflected in the historical persecution of queer people and those showing symptoms of mental illness. With the movie ending on a positive note, with people understanding and helping Norman, and the ghosts - and Agatha having peace to drift out of her years of cursing the town - the fear that the people of the town once had was calmed. I think, for a movie aimed at kids, ParaNorman does a brilliant job at combining moral questions with its silly comedic moments and wonderful clay work animation.