Realism and Aesthetic-Semiotic Theories Applied to Cinema with a Combination of Live-Action and Animation (1900-1988)

Abstract

The article is an essay about the concept of fiction/reality applied to live-action cinema combined with animation. In particular, the article will deal with a diachronic (1900-1988) and aesthetic analysis. In fact, with the mixed technique (The Enchanted Drawing, directed by J. S. Blackton, 1900; Gertie the Dinosaur, directed by W. McCay, 1914; Mary Poppins, directed by R. Stevenson, 1964; Pete's Dragon, directed by D. Chaffey, 1977; Who Framed Roger Rabbit, directed by R. Zemeckis, 1988) it is possible to notice how the concept of border (first of all spatial) is confused between fiction and reality. In the essay are also analyzed some interesting semiotic and aesthetic theories, born mostly outside the world of cinema, of authors such as Hans Vaihinger (fictionalism), Alexius Meinong (non-existent objects), Kendall L. Walton (make-believe), Michel Foucault (heterotopia), applying them to the films examined.