I am
torn between two opposing opinions.
On one hand, (my
left,
to be precise)
Yes,
tregoweth is
100% and totally justified
in his
frustration. Just because it's
an
animated movie, that does
not mean it
is
appropriate for the little kiddies! How
can they be expected to enjoy, (or
at least sit still)
through various classical presentations? I went
to see
Fantasia 2000 in
Imax. But I made the
same mistake as
tregoweth and went on a
Sunday
afternoon. I wanted to bash some of those parents,
for subjecting both me and their children to such
cruel and unusual punishment.
On the
flip side, however, is the question:
How to
cultivate their interest in it, if it is
not made somehow
appealing? No, I'm not saying
that
this is going to work for all kids. You may
say that they'll
learn to like it as they grow
older,
or perhaps you're
one of those people (not you,
tregoweth,
I'm talking to the
arbritrary reader now) who says
they do not need to be taught, and musical appreciation
is something you either have, or don't have. I don't know,
that could be possible.
I was one of the kids who went to see the first
Fantasia when it came out.
And I liked it. If I said I have been listening to
classical music ever since, that would be true, but
it would also sound like a
sweeping statement I put in
for
dramatic effect. It would also be a misinterpretation
of the
facts as they really are: I have been listening to
this music since I was born.
My father keeps his
radio tuned to
WQXR. In the kitchen, in the
office, in the bedroom. And in the car. I was always falling
asleep,
waking up,
reading, counting license plates,
and making rest stops
with the violins and pianos and miles of road.
To say that my
interest in
classical music was
cultivated is
debatable. How can
it be proven? My
siblings also listen to classical
music, though none so avidly as I. Perhaps we
all have this
tendency, because
we share the same genes,
but they are less
diluted in me. Or maybe
their interest was cultivated, and only mine is
inborn.
Perhaps mine was cultivated too. Who can know? But
isn't it worth a try?
In conclusion:
Parents know their kids. Some kids will sit
pretty much through the whole thing, whether it be
the music that keeps them there, (doubtful) or the
animation. Some parents don't know the
movie, though.
This is not a Mickey Mouse cartoon! And if
you are not taking any kids with you, do yourself a
favor, like
tregoweth said, and skip the
matinee
showing.
Boy, I think I can
get off my high horse now! I did not mean to
sound like such an pompous ass.