Akadot had the opportunity to meet with Frank Gladstone of DreamWorks Pictures regarding the upcoming domestic release of the feature film Millennium Actress. Millennium Actress is the first Japanese animation title DreamWorks will distribute, and Gladstone tells Akadot why this particular film over all the other untouched animation titles was chosen. Gladstone also shares his experiences working in America's animation industry and his thoughts about Japanese animation.

Akadot: You mentioned you have watching anime for a long time, right?

Frank Gladstone: Well, yes, but not realizing it. When I was a kid, Speed Racer and Astro Boy were in their first run in the U.S. I saw them the first time they ran because I'm that old. [Laughs] I didn't know they were "anime". I remember reading when I was thirteen or fourteen years old about Astro Boy and his concept and how the show was designed to be distributed worldwide. I can sing you the Astro Boy theme song, but never mind. [Laughs] Watching anime early, I didn't make the distinction. I just thought it was another show, albeit more violent than US product at the time, and that the animation looked a little different. I mean, I also used to wonder about the Speed Racer dialogue. "Why is like that?" It was, of course, because the American distributor was trying to make the words fit the mouth movements. It was really sped up and completely over the top. Hearing it now, it's charming.

Also, because I teach animation history, I would see Akira and Ghost in the Shell. And then my kids began to watch anime. So I'm pretty up on Dragon Ball Z, which I know is old now. [Laughs] When I was in Japan, I wanted the Dragon Ball Z figures for the boys, and Hikaru says to me, "Too old. You have to get that stuff in the States."

Then, I really became interested in anime when I began to see it as a cultural movement. But I probably haven't seen as much as it sounds like I've seen. I've been watching it at first haphazardly and then on purpose over the years.

Akadot: But you've captivated the importance of what the creators have been trying to express.

FG: Yes, though I don't think all of anime is great either. I mean there is a fair amount of bad anime just like there is a fair amount of bad film everywhere. There is a lot of programmed, formulaic stuff that is just churned out to fill up air time. And there's stuff that is important and makes statements, just like movies from anywhere.

Akadot: As an animator, what is your favorite animation film (either domestic of Japanese)?

FG: You really want to know? This one [Millennium Actress].

Akadot: Really?

FG: I think it is because it is so different that what I have seen before. Otherwise I would say Totoro, I love that film. I think it's great. Castle in the Sky too.

But, my favorite animated film (domestic) is Pinocchio. I think that even with all the modern conveniences and beautiful films that have been made, including the ones I've worked on, I feel that Pinocchio is probably the most direct, beautifully done, resonant story that I've ever seen in animation.

I suppose part of this feeling is because it is the first film I remember as a kid. Actually, I had to be carried from the theater because I had an asthma attack. The whale was really scary! [Laughs] I was four! It's still scary. As a film, it's a remarkably good movie and it doesn't date at all. For me, that's probably the one. I think lot of people would say that.

Akadot: Do you like that old-genre of Disney films?

FG: I like that too, but it's not why I like this particular film. It's the story. It moves right along and there are no wasted shots or wasted time, it's just linear. It has a very timeless message too, about bravery, finding yourself, sacrifice, and redemption, which I love. But, that's me. Pinocchio is the kind of film I like and I like that about Millennium Actress too, especially, about lost love, finding love, and completing things. It's not the same movie of course, but Pinocchio is looking for something as Chiyoko [in Millennium Actress] is looking for something and it seems to be right out of reach. For her, the journey to find love is important and for Pinocchio his journey to become a real boy is important. In a way they are alike, maybe that's why I like Millennium Actress.