January 2009 | blackfilm.com | CORALINE | An Interview with Keith David

January 2009

CORALINE | An Interview with Keith David

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CORALINE
An Interview with Keith David
Wilson Morales

February 2, 2009

No stranger to the world of animation, having voiced over 10 films from the genre, Keith David’s latest work is something new for him. It’s a film set for 3-D.

Coraline is a wondrous and thrilling, fun and suspenseful adventure that honors and redefines two moviemaking traditions. It is a stop-motion animated feature – and, as the first one to be conceived and photographed in stereoscopic 3-D, unlike anything moviegoers have ever experienced before.

Adapted from the Hugo Award-winning, internationally best-selling novel, Coraline is a spine-tingling tale about a curious girl who unlocks a mysterious door in her family's new home and enters into an adventure in a parallel reality. On the surface, this "Other World" eerily mimics her own life - though it is much more fantastical. In it, Coraline encounters different versions of her own life, including off-kilter neighbors and an Other Mother who attempts to keep her forever. Ultimately, Coraline must rely on her resourcefulness, determination and bravery to get back home

In speaking with David, he talks about his work as he voices the cat in the film.

What attracted you to this film?

Keith David: To tell you the truth, I don’t remember. I remember going up for it, and getting the part. I had a job and it was quite wonderful. I love doing animation projects and to be able to voice the cat was a great opportunity. Dakota Fanning is a wonderful actress and it was a pleasure to work with her.

Having done animation work before, what was different with this time?

KD: This is my first 3-D project. It was the first time I was on a feature where I realized how long the process is.I’m currently working on ‘The Princess and the Frog’, which is Disney’s first black princess film. This film has been at least two years in the making. I had no idea how long the process is, but as you can see with the finished product, it was worth it.

Were you familiar with the book prior to doing the film?

KD: I was not familiar with the book.

How do you balance your time between film and stage work?

KD: That is what actors do. I consider myself extremely fortunate and blessed because I get to work in several projects and I like doing this. It’s fulfilling being able to work all the time. Even today, I’m getting ready to go back into theater and I miss that. There’s nothing like working in the theater; or even doing animation. It’s all acting. It’s different levels, and different styles, and differentgenres.

Can anyone see ‘Coraline’?

KD: Yes. I’m going to take my young children. My youngest daughter is 4 years old. As I watch it earlier this week, there is a little bit of Tim Burton in the film with some dark overtone, but you can explain to the kids that it’s a story and it’s quite fascinating and very well done. I think everyone will be welcomed to see it.

Coraline opens on February 6, 2009

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