#some highlights include: when I thought Coraline was based off of me and someone was studying me (think Truman Show)

[thebeatles]

Coraline (2009) came out when I was 11 and in the fifth grade... and it really made a huge impact on me. And it's one of, if not, top fondest memories where I can reflect on it now and realize, yes, childhood autism.

I would not stop thinking or talking about Coraline. every minute of every day, that movie was on my mind. I've been exposed to Tim Burton stop-motion films growing up and loved them all/ had fond memories with each, but nothing could compare to Coraline. It was unique and touched on horror more than Tim Burton's films, genuinely send shivers down my spine. I'd argue that its execution as a kids horror movie adapted from a book was excellent but that's for another time (hint: Wybie).

This movie indeed was the door to explore more horror films. It's actually the film that made me feel not-so afraid of horror films anymore (before I was deadly afraid of horror films and raced to my room to avoid anything remotely scary). It's also the first film where I "studied" a film.. AKA watching behind the scenes, read more about stop-motion and the processes, voice acting. etc. This just help further the appreciation of the film. To this day I still remember little facts. Like how they used real popcorn for the trees. Bobinsky's moustache is made out of piano wire. You get it.

It's funny to think back on how I'd mention every single time that I watched Coraline over the weekend in my journal entry for school (every single time). I got teased for my "obsession" by my peers and family of something no one could understand. It kind of breaks my heart to admit that I did have a moment of resentment for this hyperfixation then (on top of having a hard time getting any work done) but eventually I found myself back. To this day, it has a special place in my heart.

Happy 14th anniversary!

#the body of sanik #rambling on this special day #this obviously doesn't cover the surface. There is lots left out #some highlights include: when I thought Coraline was based off of me and someone was studying me (think Truman Show) #It didn't help that Coraline and I were also the same age #Memorizing all the lines of every character. One time I muted the move from start to end and recited every line #Watching every Coraline AMV to ever exist on Youtube #Discovering what fanfiction was through coraline “what if” fanfic concepts #(thankfully I never once came across anything weird) #Coraline prepped me to watch my first horror movie: Child's Play #And more. #Oh and another (hilarious) highlight: one Coraline AMV used “Sweet Caroline” and that was my entry to Neil Diamond