Why Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc Looks So Different From the Show
Crunchyroll
If you've watched "Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc" and noticed it looks different from the TV anime's first season, you're right. The movie's visual style is a bold departure from the show's aesthetic. The shading and coloring are brighter, the line art is thicker, and the action sequences are faster-paced and more exaggerated. "Reze Arc" has a cartoony feel that the first season lacked.
This isn't just about budget. While the movie had a higher budget, the key difference lies in the directors' approaches. The first season of "Chainsaw Man" was directed by Ryu Nakayama, a talented animator but a rookie director. In contrast, "Reze Arc" was helmed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, as MAPPA sought a fresh vision for their anime adaptation.
Author Tatsuki Fujimoto, a cinephile, infused his love for movies into the manga. His one-shot manga, "Goodbye, Eri," mimics the style of found footage films. "Reze Arc" showcases Denji's movie marathon with Makima, emphasizing the impact of cinema on the characters.
Nakayama, a fan of Fujimoto and movies, aimed to adapt "Chainsaw Man" with a grounded, cinematic style. In an interview, he expressed his desire to blend realism and cinematic elements. This approach, dubbed "animating live-action" by Kevin Cirugeda, is evident in the first season's title sequence, which recreates famous live-action scenes.
However, the first season faced criticism for its direction. It was described as slow and subdued, with a muted color palette that lacked the vibrant energy of the manga. Some found it lacking the beautiful chaos that defines Fujimoto's work.
Despite mixed reactions, others praised Nakayama's style for its filmic realism. Nikola Teodosić, in Anime Herald, applauded the adaptation's grounded approach. Ultimately, MAPPA's decision was influenced by domestic reception, as evidenced by the poor sales of the "Chainsaw Man" season 1 Blu-ray in Japan.
Yoshihara, who worked on the first season, adopted a different approach for "Reze Arc." He focused on adhering closely to Fujimoto's manga style, avoiding the cinematic influences of the first season. This shift is evident in the movie's visual style.
"Reze Arc" abandons the naturalism of the first season, embracing a more animated look. Yoshihara, Nakazono, and their team aimed for a wider range of expressiveness, with thicker line art and brighter colors. They even recolored Makima's hair from pink to red for a stronger visual impact.
The movie's success is evident in its box office performance. "Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc" is currently slicing up the box office, proving the audience's appreciation for this unique adaptation.
As the future of "Chainsaw Man" remains uncertain, fans eagerly await news of a potential season 2. The success of "Reze Arc" suggests that Yoshihara and Nakazono's vision could be a perfect fit for the show's continuation.
