Delve into an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from Game Rant showcasing director Jérémie Périn as he delves into 'Another World', an Amiga classic that left a lasting impact on several influential game designers, including Hideo Kojima. This video offers a glimpse into the artistic influences that have shaped Périn's unique directorial approach, evident in his upcoming cyberpunk animated movie.
Jérémie Périn, a seasoned French animator recognized for his contributions to projects like the 'Lastman' prequel series, 'Co2', and 'Like, Share, Die', is making his feature film debut with 'Mars Express', which premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. Following its Cannes debut, GKIDS, a distributor based in NYC, acquired the rights to distribute the film, releasing both the original French version and the English dubbed version in May 2024.
Witness an exclusive behind-the-scenes video where Périn reminisces about 'Another World', a.k.a. 'Out of This World' in North America. Renowned for its cinematic platforming experience, this 1991 classic has been a wellspring of inspiration for various groundbreaking video games, from 'Silent Hill' to 'Ico'. Prior to the Cannes premiere of 'Mars Express', Hideo Kojima acknowledged 'Another World' as one of the pivotal games that influenced his creative journey, alongside titles like 'Xevious', 'The Portopia Serial Murder Case', and 'Super Mario Bros'.
Impact of 'Another World' on Mars Express
During the video, Périn recounts his initial encounter with 'Another World' on the original Amiga during his early teenage years, emphasizing how the game's cinematic qualities deeply resonated with him. Périn highlights the seamless melding of animation and artistry by French game designer Éric Chahi that embodies the essence of 'less is more', a principle Périn has embraced throughout his career. The director commends 'Another World' for its realistic portrayal of characters and environments, despite the technological constraints of the era, achieved through minimalist linework and flat color palettes.
This pursuit of a harmonious blend between style and simplicity is a recurring theme in Périn's animation portfolio. 'Mars Express' echoes this sentiment, with its ethereal backdrop drawing subtle parallels to the Amiga classic. However, in terms of narrative, themes, and characters, the cyberpunk animated film aligns more closely with iconic works like 'Blade Runner', exploring the societal ramifications of advancing technology on human existence and the potential dehumanization that accompanies progress.
Similarly, the incorporation of androids and the immersive tech-noir universe within 'Mars Express' have garnered critical acclaim, leading to four award nominations and the prestigious Best Animated Film accolade at the recent Paris Film Critics Association Awards. 'Mars Express' is scheduled to make its debut in U.S. theaters on May 3.