Rhiannon Elizabeth Irons
From a young age we’re exposed to the exploits of the screen. Some movies stick with us long into our adulthood. Others, not so much.
In the case of this new series – yes, series. I have more than one childhood trauma to discuss – I’m looking at movies designed to be viewed by children that left a lasting impression on our psyche, and not necessarily for the better.
Sure, we may love these movies now that we’re older, but for the purpose of this article, I’m looking at the moments that caused us distress as children.
To kick start this series, I’m looking at a film that is one of my favourite movies of all time, Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
If you haven’t seen this film, this is your only warning, there will be spoilers ahead.
I know what you’re thinking; What could be so dark and distressing about Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
While Who Framed Roger Rabbit might not strike you as a scary watch, there are a few moments worthy of making sure this film is completely unforgettable.
Set in an alternate reality where cartoons live alongside humans, the film tells the story of private detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), who must prove that Roger Rabbit (voiced by Charles Fleischer) didn’t kill prominent businessman, Marvin Acme, who may, or may not, have been having an affair with Roger’s wife, Jessica Rabbit (voiced by Kathleen Turner).
While that sounds cute, if not a little adult with the affair between man and cartoon, the real terror comes when the audience is introduced to the villain of the story. Toontown’s most corrupt official, Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd) and his sinister Toon Patrol are pure nightmare fodder. The Toon Patrol consists of animated weasels who act more like members of the mafia than actual weasels. But true to their nature, they rat out our protagonists to the Judge and relish in the chaos it brings.
The scary moments for Who Framed Roger Rabbit come in the form of Judge Doom showcasing his power and executing a hapless toon shoe who dared brush against his leg. Using a product he calls “Dip” created with a combination of paint thinners turpentine, acetone, and benzine, Judge Doom has found a way to “kill” a toon. This moment is forever burned on my brain for the wave of emotions that hit me upon first watch. Never had Christopher Lloyd been more terrifying.
It seems he decided to up the ante in the final act of the film when it was revealed that Judge Doom was masquerading as a man when, in fact, he is a toon. The reveal was shocking when, after being runover with a steamroller, Doom gets to his feet and inflates himself, causing his eyes to pop out of his head. He turns around to reveal unblinking, unmoving red eyeballs. If that wasn’t disturbing enough, those eyes managed to change into piercing daggers, while his high-pitched shrieking voice showed just how disturbing animation can be.
It might be a PG rated film, but these moments are forever etched in my mind. Robert Zemeckis' direction was superb in bringing this story of mystery and adventure to the screen.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is an undeniable classic and one that must be experienced. But seeing as Doom remains the most unsettling part of the entire experience, it might be best for parents to air on the side of caution when it comes to exposing their families to this film.