Winnie (Elle Fanning) describes fathers as “the one who raises you, looks after you, loves you…They’re…someone who will do anything to help you. They always listen and never get angry. They guide you when you don’t know what to do. They’re there when it’s dark and you’re scared or lonely. And they’re never ever too busy to talk to you.” How do the other father figures standup to these qualities?
Fish (Dee Bradley Baker) raises and looks after Eggs (Isaac Hempstead Wright). He finds presents for Eggs to add to their little band. This is how he shows he loves Eggs. He would even fight other Boxtrolls to bring something special home for Eggs.
Fish also looks out for Eggs when they are in Cheesebridge. He warns him to “hide” when Eggs wants to rescue the other Boxtrolls. Fish tries to guide him to keep him save.
He tries to protect Eggs after he is knocked unconscious, and Fish is the one who gets the other Boxtrolls out of their boxes to save their lives. He defends his family until the end.
Now it is time to talk about Eggs’ real father, Herbert Trubshaw (Simon Pegg). He gave Eggs to the Boxtrolls to save him. He also is more of a father than most of the other male characters. When Eggs doubts himself, Herbert encourages him to “tell them” that they can change, just like Eggs did. He guides him when he is unsure of himself.
Both Fish and Herbert are never too busy to talk or listen to their boy, Eggs. They are readily available to him and his needs.
In comparison to the good dads, what about the bad? Right off the bat, Lord Portley-Rind (Jared Harris) comes off as neglectful. When they Boxtrolls supposedly stole the child, he is concerned about his “cheeses” instead of, oh I don’t know, children! It’s just ridiculous to think of babies over brie. Even more, he buys brie instead of funding a children’s hospital. What a guy…
He also does not want to listen to Winnie “obsessing over grotesque monsters”. Cheese holds more fascination and importance than his own daughter.
He is also more concerned about his “white hat” than his daughter being out in the dark. He completely forgets about her. He has no time to miss her or talk to her about her theories.
Also, he seems to love the fake Frou Frou, aka Snatcher (Ben Kingsley), more than his own wife and daughter. Food for thought. Hmm…
On a side note, what do you think of the smallest henchman, Mr. Gristle (Tracy Morgan), looking remarkably similar to the Boxtrolls? He even has a limited vocabulary like the Boxtrolls…
Also, what do you think cheese is a metaphor? I can think of at least three possibilities. And what does it mean that Snatcher’s head swells when he eats it? Think about it!
I resisted my feminist views on this movie, but I think it is something to think about. My final word on this subject is the woman who is most present and speaks most is actually a man… Think about it.
While this review may not be a rave, it does touch on some of the deeper sides to this film, like existentialism and genocide.
Some people have claimed this movie show traits of being transphobic. However, some have spoken against this claim. Enjoy!
I had to mention all of these themes because there is sooo much you could do with this movie! Thanks for reading! See you next week!