A true form of video art that may look childlike and innocent on the outside, but reveals within the script, the deeper conversations about the abuse of power, patriarchy, and the hero’s journey.
Comic book writer and cartoonist Dash Shaw creates a high concept and forward-thinking animated film with My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea. Joining the GKids label alongside other Studio Ghibli movies, this feature is one part ticking-time-bomb adventure, one part high school comedy throwback, and all parts energizing fun. Aside from its creative storytelling, Jason Schwartzman, Lena Dunham, Reggie Watts, Maya Rudolph, and Susan Sarandon all lend their recognizable voices to the project, making this a film to remember.
It begins on the first day of sophomore year for best friends Dash (Schwartzman) and Assaf (Watts), who are aspiring journalists. Along with their editor Verti (Rudolph), they are determined to have their writing taken seriously. Even their latest publication, “Survival Tips for Freshman”, struggles in distribution, despite it being free. Their status isn’t helped by the understanding that they definitely aren’t the coolest kids in school, evident by the fact that popular, student council president-seeking, Mary (Dunham), obviously can’t stand Dash.
But as Dash tries to prove that print isn’t dead by creating lies about the size of Assaf’s genitalia in order to sell more newspapers, as well as disrupt the burgeoning romantic relationship between Assaf and Verti, he accidentally discovers that the biggest story is right under his nose. He literally uncovers a secret about the school’s building code, including that the plans for the highly anticipated auditorium, have been forged by the principal. The code further reveals that the integrity of the entire school building is vulnerable (it sits on the edge of a cliff) and could collapse any minute. With this knowledge, Dash assembles his team of friends, Assaf and Verti, as well as acquaintances who turn into friends, Mary and the lunch lady Lorraine (Sarandon), to band together to save the school.
Just because ‘My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea’ is an animated film, it is not immune from death scenes, in fact, there is a fair share of gruesome decapitations so consider yourself warned.
The mixed media animation style in My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea is so eye-catching, it’s hard to look away (not that you’d want to, given that this movie perfectly executes what it sets out to do). Incorporating drawings, paintings, and collage, this is a true form of video art that may look childlike and innocent on the outside, but reveals within the script, the deeper conversations about the abuse of power, patriarchy, and the hero’s journey. Just because “My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea” is an animated film, it is not immune from death scenes, in fact, there is a fair share of gruesome decapitations so consider yourself warned.
My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea is good for so many reasons, namely the unique video art and talented cast are the obvious ones, but what really resonated with me was the number of poignant moments happening at the most unexpected times. At the end of the day, this is a feel-good movie that leaves you nostalgic for the past and appreciative of the value of friendships.
‘My Entire High School Sinking into the Sea’ is rated PG-13 for some images of peril, sexual references, and drug material. 75 minutes. Opening at the Nuart Theatre this Friday.
