SNAPSHOT
Paddington is happily settled with the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, where he has become a popular member of the community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes. While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington spots a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief. (courtesy IMDb)
Hands, or should that be paws, down, Paddington Bear is one of the loveliest characters to ever exist.
The creation of British author Michael Bond, Paddington first appeared on 13 October 1958 in the book A Bear Called Paddington, since becoming a deeply beloved figure thanks to his kindness of heart, faithfulness and trust in others, and his sheer wondrous likability.
This general loveliness of character came wonderfully to the fore in two films, Paddington (2014) and Paddington 2 (2017), the latter of which is the subject of a delightfully revelatory video from Framestore which shows just what goes into bringing the lovable bear from darkest Peru to engagingly life on the big screen, and in this case, in the big house.
It is, in every way, a delight to watch because it reminds of exactly what it takes to make these stories truly sing as FSR (Film School Rejects) notes:
“Most of all, the video provides a visual testament to both the production’s meticulous crafting of special effects and its sheer attention to detail, which remains evident in everything from the textured folds of Paddington’s blue duffel coat to each ruffled strand of his fur. It’s living proof that creating a film with a CGI lead surrounded by live actors isn’t just a feat of pure technical wizardry — it can also result in a vividly warm, lifelike, and wholly enchanting work of art.”