Not Just a Clay Feat

Charles Solomon closes an otherwise competent article on clay animation with a ridiculous criticism of “Toy Story 2,” observing that the characters “remain plastic toys who come to life, rather than animals and people” (“In ‘Chicken Run,’ a Charming New Art Form Takes Shape,” July 3). Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t that the basic premise of the “Toy Story” films?

The charm in Nick Park’s films comes not from the “tactile surfaces and organic movements” of clay, but from his ability to create appealing characters and entertaining stories--something that is possible in any medium, including computer graphics. Solomon’s misguided focus on the clay medium as a source of “charm” is ironically no different from the mind-set of those who assume that computer effects will spice up a dull script.

Aardman Animations tells wonderful stories with clay, just as Pixar does with computers. Why not simply acknowledge and appreciate that? Most animators certainly do. Comparing apples to oranges is simple-minded and pointless. What really matters is whether the fruit is ripe.

KEVIN GEIGER

Los Angeles