About James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peach is a delightful film produced by Tim Burton in 1996. The movie is based on a classic children's book by Roald Dahl. It tells the story of James Henry Trotter, a young boy who embarks on a journey of adventure when he discovers a magical peach that grows to an enormous size, providing an escape from his cruel aunts. James befriends the giant insects that live inside the peach, and they embark on a magical journey across the sea to New York City.

Making / Production

The production was a collaboration between Walt Disney Pictures and Allied Filmmakers. It blends live-action and stop-motion animation, directed by Henry Selick. This combination of formats enhances the enchanting storytelling approach of Roald Dahl’s book.

Actors

• Paul Terry played the lead role of James Henry Trotter. He gave a heartwarming performance as the mistreated boy who finds new meaning to life.
• Simon Callow voiced Grasshopper. His integrated sense of sophistication and wisdom brought the character to life.
• Richard Dreyfuss provided the voice of Centipede. He gave the role a New Yorker’s tenacity that made the character instantly loveable.
• Susan Sarandon was the voice of Miss Spider. She delivered a protective and caring nature to the character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is a mix of live-action and stop-motion animation, a first of its kind for cinema.
• James and the Giant Peach was the first film from Walt Disney Pictures to carry a quote from a review in its advertising, which read "Two Thumbs Up."
• The film features a scene where an Empire State Building lookalike is covered in peach, a nod to King Kong’s famous scene.

Awards

The film received much acclaim for its captivating storytelling and unique animation style. It won the Best Animated Feature at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Music, Original Musical or Comedy Score.

Quotes

• "Marvelous things will happen, James. You wait and see!" - Narrator
• "In every dream, in every hope, in every love, I have a place. I am there." – James
• "No matter what happens...No more squabbling. No more squabbling. We're... we're family." - Centipede

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's memorable soundtrack is composed by Randy Newman, providing a perfect backdrop to the whimsical story.
• Newman's score perfectly captures James's feelings of hope, loss, and realization of potential.
• Famous songs "My Name is James" and "That’s the Life for Me" capture pivotal moments in the film beautifully.