Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary

Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary is a vibrantly colored, animated feature directed by Rémi Chayé and released in 2020. Set in the wild American West, the film offers a fascinating spin on the familiar folklore, offering a backstory to Martha Jane Cannary, one of the iconic figures of the American frontier widely known as 'Calamity Jane'.

The film’s narrative centers around the younger years of the titular character, Martha Jane Cannary as a 12-year-old. The story is filled with high-spirited adventure, dreams, determination, and the courageous pursuit of freedom. Contrary to the traditional representation of Martha as the famed daring gunslinger, this narrative interprets her as a vibrant, adventurous young girl courageously pushing against societal norms.

The film opens with Martha, her father and her two younger siblings joining a convoy of wagons travelling from Oregon to Wyoming. When her father is injured, Martha is left with the responsibility of driving the family wagon and looking after her siblings. This challenges her to defy stereotypical expectations about a girl's role and capabilities. Her courage and resourcefulness, in this journey, form the heart of the story.

Alexandra Lamy lends her voice to the adult version of Martha, providing an emotional grounding to the character as she looks back on her formative years. Alexis Tomassian voices Abraham, another significant character in the story. Abraham's interactions with Martha are some of the poignant moments, bringing in elements of friendship, mentorship, and unforeseen challenges, all contributing to the development of Martha.

A striking aspect of the movie is its stunning visual artistry. Whether it’s depicting a tranquil night time trail, dramatic landscapes, or delivering vibrant characters, Rémi Chayé and his team have delivered an incredible visual spectacle. Employing a distinctive graphical style, the film uses a gorgeous palette of colours, making every frame feel like a living painting that pulsates with passion and emotion.

What sets Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary apart from many animation films, is the balance it strikes between reality and whimsy. It's a stylized tale of personal growth and determination, yet the characters, interactions, and situations are rooted in plausibility. There’s a depth to this narrative, teaching young audience about perseverance, self-reliance, and the importance of challenging gender stereotypes.

Chayé, along with his writers Sandra Tosello and Fabrice de Costil, bring Martha Jane Cannary to life in a way that’s both refreshing and groundbreaking. She is never reduced to a mere character in a narrative, but shines as a symbol of strength, courage, and rebellion against the restrictive societal norms. Martha’s struggle against the sexist prejudices, and her determination to carve out her path set the stage for the spirited icon she will eventually become.

The voice acting is commendable throughout. Lamy delivers a compelling performance, capturing the essence and evolution of the character beautifully. Tomassian's voice work for Abraham is outstanding as well. Both actors make the animated characters feel alive and relatable. Additionally, the original soundtrack for the film echoes the story's emotional journey, making the movie a delight to watch and listen to.

Calamity, une enfance de Martha Jane Cannary stands as an important animation film that brings a fresh perspective to the genre. It is more than just an animated retelling of a famous folklore. It's a tale of resilience, of a young girl pushing boundaries and defying societal expectations, a narrative that champions equality, freedom, and courage. It is an adventurous story, and an uplifting celebration of the spirit of 'Calamity Jane'.