Max and Maxine is a story about a grandfather and granddaughter, and the life-giving power of imagination. Following the surreal adventures of two lovable characters, Max and Maxine, Hornet Director Peter Sluszka creates a dreamscape world bursting with imaginative life. It’s a world immersed in both metaphor and mixed media mastery. Imagination, and its ability to provide childlike wonder and motivation for living even in the face of terminal illness, is the thematic thread. But it’s the technique—an irresistible implementation of stop motion using custom-made puppets and materials—which transforms the story from simple and sweet to completely enthralling.
"We wanted to create something where the viewer is totally immersed in a mixed media world, really enjoying the characters' relationship, until the end, when the grandfather snaps out of the daydream, and the real world intrudes. This dramatic turning point—going from a dreamscape to a real world confrontation—helped really illuminate the theme. Which is all about imagination and the motivating role it can play for living."
-Peter Sluszka
"The handcrafted aspect was always front and center. We went all in with in-camera techniques. The scene with the ocean and water, for instance, was done with fabric. All of the characters' clothes were custom-made, nothing store-bought, all crafted. This design decision drove the look overall."
-Peter Sluszka
