American Pop is an example of Bakshi’s genius
American Pop, released in 1981, has got to be one of the best showcase films of Bakshi’s unique animation storytelling style. Not only is the soundtrack great, but the film follows a family through 4 generations of pursuing the American dream, armed with only talent and perseverance. While the definition of American pop music changes with each generation, the general theme of chasing the dream using whatever tools you find at your disposal is constant. underlying struggles against poverty and political strife, pitfalls of addiction and relationship struggles in those landscapes are a constant theme. This continuity is the secret, more than the music itself, to captivating the audience, who all on some level are chasing their own American dream.
Bakshi has a realism in his creations that comes from more than the overlay of animations on real actors. He doesn’t look for the fairy tale ending but rather highlights the ongoing struggles of humanity, warts and all. He never shys from political strife and war, he shows struggles with poverty like someone who has experienced it first hand, and he doesn’t even judge the seedier lifestyle that so many of his characters (at least in this movie) find themselves while trying to eek out a living with the hand their were dealt.
Treat yourself to some Vintage Vinyl Records
American Pop begins with a Jewish widow fleeing war-torn Russia in the 1890s with her young son. They wind up in America where, still a boy, he finds work helping the music director of a Burlesque theater/brothel. Music from Gershwin, Louis Prima and Herbie Hancock cover the early piano and jazz styles. The Mamas and the Papas, and Bob Dylan give way to the Lynard Skynyrd as folk music developed a harder edge and American Pop music became synonymous with rock’n’roll. . But you’ll have to watch the movie to really appreciate this anthem to the American dream.
