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The magical realism of "Wildwood" isn’t just a narrative device; it’s a deeply ingrained aspect of the film’s creation, reflecting its genesis in the vibrant, quirky landscape of Portland, Oregon. This latest offering from the renowned stop-motion studio Laika, directed by Travis Knight, is more than just an animated fantasy epic. It’s a meticulously crafted love letter to the city that houses the studio, a place where the line between the mundane and the extraordinary often blurs. The film’s protagonist, 13-year-old Prue, finds herself thrust into a hidden, enchanted realm, the Impassable Wilderness, known locally as Wildwood. Her initial disbelief, stemming from a childhood spent in a city already known for its unique character, is quickly dispelled by encounters with talking owls in waistcoats and animals the size of commercial airplanes.
Laika’s signature visual artistry is on full display, from soaring eagles to ancient trees with sprawling root systems. The film’s narrative culminates in an epic battle reminiscent of historical war films, yet it never loses sight of the magic inherent in the smallest details of nature. This profound connection to its setting is particularly significant as "Wildwood" is the first Laika film explicitly set in Portland, allowing the studio to draw inspiration directly from their own backyard to bring Colin Meloy’s beloved novel to life. Condé Nast Traveler sat down with director Travis Knight to explore the inspirations behind this exhilarating stop-motion saga, a story that unfolds not far from home.
Portland as a Character: The Influence of Home
The decision to set "Wildwood" in Portland was a profoundly personal and creative one for Knight and the Laika team. "It was a joy, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced," Knight shared. "Filmmaking for me is such a privilege to be able to do for a living. To be able to tell a story that was set in the place that I was born, the place that I’ve lived almost my entire life, the place where our studio is, where so many of us live, was a very special experience because we know that place better than anybody, and we could bring that world to life with real specificity, with real personality."
This intimate knowledge of Portland allowed the filmmakers to imbue the animated city with an authentic spirit. While the on-screen representation is a stylized reality, it captures the "truth of what it means to live in that part of the world." This commitment to authenticity is evident in subtle nods throughout the film, such as Prue and her friend Mac enjoying Voodoo Doughnuts, a Portland institution, and the presence of Decembrists posters in Prue’s room, a reference to the Portland-based band whose frontman, Colin Meloy, wrote the novel. Even fictional elements, like the "Dripsters" storefront, are inspired by Laika’s own in-studio coffee shop, demonstrating how deeply personal experiences informed the fantastical world.
Echoes of the Pacific Northwest in Wildwood
The film masterfully weaves the magic of the natural world with the urban charm of Portland, suggesting that magic can be found in everyday life and unexpected places. Conversely, the fantastical realm of Wildwood itself is infused with the spirit and iconic landmarks of the Pacific Northwest. Knight elaborated on this synergy, stating, "There’s magic in real life, and there is danger in the fantasy world—both of those things are true."
The landscape of Wildwood is not a purely imagined entity but a rich tapestry drawn from the diverse beauty of Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest. "When you look at Wildwood the place, not the movie, there are places from Portland, the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon, specifically all over it," Knight explained. Iconic natural wonders such as Crater Lake and Haystack Rock are subtly incorporated, creating a "fantasyland" that feels both otherworldly and intimately familiar to those who know the region. Knight’s ambition was to elevate Oregon’s natural splendor to the same pantheon as legendary fantasy realms like Narnia, Oz, and Middle-earth. This artistic endeavor not only serves the narrative but also acts as a powerful showcase for the breathtaking landscapes of the state on a global cinematic stage.
The Celebration of Human Craftsmanship
In an era increasingly dominated by digital animation and streamlined production, Laika’s dedication to stop-motion animation stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human touch. "Wildwood" itself champions this ethos, with a poignant visual gag featuring a craftsperson at a Portland art fair with a sign that reads, "Get human-made art—before it’s gone for good." This message resonates deeply with the film’s core themes.
Knight sees this as more than just a clever joke; it’s a reflection of Portland’s thriving maker community and a broader cultural statement. "There is a huge maker community in Portland. It’s a group of people that actually celebrates handcrafted things, and that really is what’s beating at the heart of the movie, that the film is a celebration of human creativity, of human innovation, of the human touch," he said. In a world that often prioritizes efficiency and automation, the film underscores the value of artisanal creation and the unique artistry that emerges from dedication and skill. The very process of stop-motion, where every minute detail is sculpted and manipulated by hand, embodies this philosophy.
The Genesis and Evolution of "Wildwood"
The journey of "Wildwood" from its inception to the silver screen is a remarkable chronicle of artistic perseverance. The film’s development spanned an extraordinary 16 years, a testament to Laika’s commitment to realizing its vision. Knight first encountered Colin Meloy’s manuscript in 2010, shortly after the release of Laika’s debut feature, "Coraline" (2009). This early engagement with the source material laid the groundwork for a project that would require immense patience and dedication.
Pre-production officially began in 2019, but the world was soon to face an unprecedented challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. This global event profoundly impacted not only the production process but also the city of Portland itself. Knight reflected on the temporal shifts, noting, "Portland has changed a lot in 16 years, just like the entire world has changed a lot in 16 years." The pandemic introduced unforeseen complexities and altered the societal fabric of the city. Despite these disruptions, the team persevered, striving to capture the essence of the Portland they knew and loved. The version of Portland depicted on screen is a composite of memories and a heartfelt tribute, with the hope that the city can, in time, regain its former vibrancy.
The Challenges of Animating Nature
Stop-motion animation is inherently labor-intensive, with every frame meticulously crafted. However, translating the organic complexity of nature into this medium presented a unique set of challenges for "Wildwood." Knight identified the animation of natural environments as particularly demanding. "Nothing is easy in stop-motion. Everything is difficult in stop motion," he acknowledged. "But the things that tend to be more manageable are interiors, like a child’s bedroom, but even those have so many details that have to be thought of and designed and built and manipulated."
The intricate grammar of organic shapes, so different from the inorganic world of human constructs, posed a significant hurdle. "What’s difficult to do is nature because organic shapes have their own unique grammar," Knight explained. "Things like a forest are really difficult to do in stop motion, and I made the decision to set a movie that was almost entirely based in a forest." The creation of the Wildwood forest, in particular, required an immense collaborative effort. Set designers, dressers, painters, and artists worked tirelessly to construct a world that, while perhaps fleetingly seen on screen, stands as a monumental work of art. Knight expressed profound admiration for this craftsmanship, stating, "What you’re seeing is just extraordinary human craftsmanship and artistry on a grand scale."
Incorporating Pacific Northwest Wildlife and Ecology
Beyond the visual landscapes, "Wildwood" also thoughtfully integrates the wildlife and ecological themes prevalent in the Pacific Northwest. Knight’s personal connection to the region, having grown up on the outskirts of Portland, provided an invaluable wellspring of knowledge and inspiration. His childhood spent exploring forests and climbing trees instilled in him a deep appreciation for the natural world.
This connection is reflected in the film’s underlying theme as an "eco-fable." Knight and his collaborators approached this aspect with seriousness and sensitivity, aiming to convey their care for the environment without resorting to overt didacticism. "We wanted to try to express that in an organic way without feeling like we were emblazoning it in neon that we’re making a message movie," he stated. The film emphasizes the importance of observation and learning from nature, recognizing it as a profound teacher. The abundant natural beauty of Oregon, a state where wilderness is readily accessible, provided ample inspiration. The team meticulously poured these observations and ecological considerations into the film, creating a narrative that is both fantastical and deeply rooted in the natural world.
The Artist’s Perspective: Telling Stories of Home
For aspiring creatives daunted by the prospect of telling stories about their own homes, Knight offers a profound piece of advice rooted in the adage, "write what you know." He elaborates, "I don’t think that necessarily means write where you’re from, but you have a unique way of looking at the world based on your experiences within it." The unique perspective an artist brings, shaped by their personal history, imagination, and interactions, is their most valuable asset.
Knight encourages artists to honor their inner world and their imagination. "The daunting thing shouldn’t be how to tell a story about your home, it’s how to really honor the things that you’re feeling, how to honor your imagination in a way that really does it justice," he advised. The challenge lies not in the subject matter, but in the authentic expression of one’s unique experience and vision. Ultimately, the goal of an artist is to translate these deeply personal feelings and grand dreams into a narrative that resonates with others, fostering connection and eliciting empathy. "Wildwood" stands as a powerful embodiment of this philosophy, a testament to the universal magic that can be found when we look closely at the world around us, and within us.
