This film is an adaptation of Dr Seuss’ book of the same name, but with a slightly expanded story. The book begins with a little boy going to talk to the Once-ler. In this film we meet Ted, a 12-year-old boy who lives in Thneedsville and is in love with Audrey. Audrey wants a real tree. There are no trees left in their town and the air is being sold to the inhabitants by a greedy Aloysius O’Hare, the mayor of the town. Although O’Hare tries to stop Ted, he manages to leave the town, discovering the surrounding wasteland and meeting the Once-ler, who tells him his sad story. Ted receives the last Trufalla seed and is able to plant it in his town. This film obviously has the same themes around consumerism and the environment. The little extension really fits into the story. A cute film with a serious message.
“- Which way does a tree fall?
– Uh, down?
– A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean.”