As a cinephile, I recently had the pleasure of previewing Warner Bros.’ latest animated venture, “The Cat in the Hat,” derived from the beloved Dr. Seuss character. In an exciting revelation at Annecy, the creative minds behind this production shared that we’ll be immersed in not one, but three distinct universes!
In the interview, co-director Alessandro Carloni explained that there are three distinct worlds in the film: our regular world, Dr. Seuss’ world, which features the Cat in the Hat, and the world of the boxes (or their new home). The reason for this third world is straightforward: the characters Gabby and Sebastian have recently moved into a new house.
Carloni explained that we decided to reveal our characters based on the contents of their respective boxes,” he stated. “These items, left scattered on the floor, would enable the cat to whisk the children away on extraordinary journeys once it transformed their old couch into a mystical means of transportation.
Erica Rivinoja, as co-director and writer, playfully suggested that what children truly require are just a comfortable sofa and a collection of cardboard boxes.
Sebastian’s treasure chest is filled with marine themes, reflecting his longing to rekindle his relationship with his elder sister who has grown distant. However, this underwater realm will exude a homemade charm, as if crafted by an overly creative child rather than mass-produced. It promises to be a vibrant world born out of nothing but imagination, according to production designer Aidan Sugano.
Gabby’s box symbolizes her past as a ‘music enthusiast in school bands’ and the present circumstances she finds herself in – there’s a strong yearning within her to return to her former high school and the life she once knew.
Art director Amos Sussigan described: “The project’s emotional tone resides somewhere between Sebastian’s mischievousness and deep-rooted existential anxiety – a feeling I can relate to currently. It’s a non-conventional influence for animation, but I was drawn to ‘Euphoria,’ which is vibrant and daring, and that’s the approach we took in creating Gabby’s world.
According to Rivinoja, this journey turns into a charming trip back to her past life. She gets to re-live it, not as it actually happened, but as she recalls it. Everything is viewed through rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia, which inevitably distorts the truth. Her simple house, in that moment, feels like a castle.
Next is mom’s box. Being both overloaded and indefatigable, she’s a dedicated nurse. Inside, you’ll find adult-loved items such as tax documents, insurance papers, and various paperwork.”
This version maintains the original meaning while using simpler language for easier reading.
But there’s much more to discover.
Sugano pointed out: “We strive to construct these bizarre, symbolic sceneries. How do you visually represent the fundamental essence of an individual? In our case, we chose a dreamy, cosmic galaxy as a representation of personality, transforming the entire scene into a mood ring to emphasize the emotional state of the characters at this moment, and to emphasize the poetic heart of who she truly is.
Based on Rivinoja’s statement, the original content served as the foundation for the entire project. They immersed themselves deeply in the artistic style of Dr. Seuss, embracing its quirky nature.
Regardless if you’re not familiar with The Cat in the Hat from your childhood, I’m confident you’ve encountered someone similar, as he’s eccentric and uncontrollable. He’s an embodiment of chaos and exhilaration, fueled by one relentless ambition: enjoyment. If a child asks him to drive a car, he would reply enthusiastically, ‘It’s dangerous? Of course!’ He epitomizes the ‘seize the day’ spirit and serves as the central theme for our movie, which emphasizes living in the moment. His sole concern is having a good time.
Or so it seems.
Is he truly just a madman, or does he harbor exceptional skills as a child psychologist and a remarkable companion animal deep within? This is the dilemma we find ourselves pondering,” expressed Carloni. Consequently, they chose to trail him on his journey back to his office.
Where on earth does this fluffy intruder disappear to? Our office is teeming with amusing personalities such as the Pig with a Wig, Ox in a Box, and Owl wrapped in a Towel. This mysterious figure is tasked with interacting with children who are either bored or sad, providing them with an exhilarating, enjoyable day full of excitement.
Alongside other characters from Dr. Seuss’ stories, including the Things, the Cat in Question will shed some light on his history as well. “What we have in the initial book is merely a single instance of his numerous missions. He’s been quite problematic at his workplace,” said Carloni. At one time, he even managed to get a moose into a diaper.
But his next assignment will be his hardest yet.
Sugano emphasized that the character has been integral to countless childhoods, so it was crucial to create a fitting tribute, a Seussian spectacle. Our goal was to visualize an intellectual concept, bringing to life vibrant landscapes that embody personality. This movie is all about forging connections.
As a cinema enthusiast, I’ve always been captivated by the artistic choices made in filmmaking, and this particular project stood out for me due to its deliberate emphasis on the color red. It wasn’t merely for its eye-catching quality, but rather as a symbol of connection, presence, and the immediate moment we all find ourselves in. The color palette was carefully crafted to ensure that it didn’t feel disjointed or fragmented, instead, it seamlessly wove itself into the narrative fabric, enhancing our emotional engagement with the story unfolding on screen.
In his remarks, Matt Waters mentioned movies such as Pixar’s ‘Soul,’ which he found to be deeply relevant to our everyday lives, and an excellent instance of a film that delves into the extraordinary. He also cited Disney’s ‘Feast’ and the upcoming ‘Me and My Shadow,’ which featured a vibrant and striking color palette.
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always admired Dr. Seuss’s work. When approaching these stories, our team was determined to delve deep into the source material and truly understand the essence of Seuss. We sought the heart, the identity that defines him. It’s not just about replicating what he did; it’s about discovering who Seuss is – his unique compositional style, his vibrant use of color, and the spirit that resonates with so many.
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2025-06-11 15:17