The Bear That Wasn't

The Bear That Wasn't is a 1967 animated film based on a satirical children's book by Frank Tashlin. This American short film remains a testament to how animation can vividly perform intricate concepts in an easy-to-understand form, while providing both entertainment and social commentary. The movie stars the iconic voice talents of Paul Frees, famous in animation circles for his varied roles, and the gifted Gloria Wood, known for her singing and voice-over work.

The film centers around the protagonist, a seemingly ordinary bear voiced by the legendary Paul Frees who is about to experience a long, bewildering winter. Upon awakening from hibernation, the bear finds himself in a drastically mutated world, no longer the tranquil forest he knew, but now a bustling industrial complex.

Adapting the unique circumstances to comedy, the film explores incredibly sophisticated themes for an animated short such as identity, industrialization, and the alienation resulting from a rapidly evolving modern society. The movie turns these complex issues into a humorous and engaging critique of a world that finds it difficult to accept simple realities.

Paul Frees, lending his voice to the bear, makes the character humorous, affable, and surprisingly poignant. The bear finds himself in a variety of growingly absurd situations wherein he is repeatedly told by the factory's human employees and even the authoritative figures that he is not a bear but a “silly man who needs a shave and wears a fur coat.” The humorous disdain for the obvious truth, as the bear fights to maintain his identity, is a remark on societal conformities and acceptance that resonates even today.

Frees isn't the sole vocal talent behind the movie. Gloria Wood, who portrays the opera singer, adds another layer of charisma to the short film. Her singing rehearsing aria gives a dose of whimsy and contrast, creating a droll dichotomy between the mechanical, foreboding feel of the industry and the comforting familiarity of art embodied by her character.

The animation and visual style of The Bear That Wasn't harken back to a certain vintage of American animation. The color palette, characterized by the combination of cool blues and varying greyscale, contrasting with the bright reds and yellows of the machinery, adds to the film's unique aesthetic charm. The animation is fluid, employing expressive characters and detailed backgrounds that showcase the conflict between the industrialized world and the natural one that the bear so misses.

The Bear That Wasn't was directed by seasoned animation veterans Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble. They offer a satirical yet empathetic view of the effect of the industrial age and the loss of innocence in a rapidly changing world. The humor blends subtly with social critique, a feat that is achieved with a charming protagonist and thought-provoking narrative focused on identity and individuality.

As for the music, Dean Elliot's somber score blends perfectly with the storyline, juxtaposing the light-hearted moments with the contemplative ones, and enhancing the narrative. The film utilizes its music cleverly, further using it to articulate the film's various themes.

The Bear That Wasn't won't merely entertain you with its witty dialogue and fantastic animation, but it will also challenge you to question the apparent truth and identity norms. It is a timeless critique of societal and industrial progress, thoughtful and poignant, cleverly veiled under the guise of an animated children's short. The movie serves as a reflection of the society it was made in, yet its themes are remarkably timeless and applicable even in the current day, making it a cultural artifact worth revisiting.

In conclusion, The Bear That Wasn't is not just an animated film but a journey through the complexities of societal identity and modernity, masterfully crafted by some of the industry's best talents. Triumphing in visual art, narrative depth, and voice performance, this film serves as a testament to how animation can successfully explore serious themes in a fun and engaging manner.