“The Book of Life” is immersed in the enduring push and pull between "tradition" and "innovation"; more simply, it’s a story about growing up, set in the backdrop of the Mexican “Day of the Dead” holiday. The animated film, directed by CalArts alum Jorge Gutierrez and produced by Guillermo del Toro, just dropped its second trailer, and it looks to be a fantastic mix of surrealism and Mexican folk art.
Gutierrez told THR earlier this year, “All my favorite albums, all my favorite books and films…are all personal stories that take place in a very specific culture but that are universal… So I wanted to make something that happened in my family but make it for the world." Here’s the official synopsis:
It is the journey of Manolo (Luna), a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, the film encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.
The film features the voices of Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Ice Cube and Danny Trejo, while Gustavo Santaolalla and Paul Williams wrote original music. You might remember Paul Williams for writing the songs “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song,” seemingly endless appearances with The Muppets, or more recently, singing on the new Daft Punk record.
The film is shaping up to have an Anglo-Mexican angle sure to bring in the kids and adults alike when it hits theaters this Halloween. Watch below.