Outline of the First Term Paper

The Laws of Physics in an Animation Universe

Topic: Paprika

I. Introduction

1. Introduce “Paprika,” a film by Satoshi Kon.
2. History and context of Satoshi Kon’s works.
3. Describe the DC Mini and the Dream World
4. Thesis: Paprika’s Dream World diverges from the physics of our reality.

II. Reality Bending

1. The environment of Paprika’s Dream World will at times warp and liquify, not acting as their proper material.
2. The walls and floor of the hotel Detective Konakawa is at warps and acts more like the waves of an ocean.
3. Dr. Osanai runs his hand through Paprika’s body -- splitting it apart -- and revealing her real self, Dr. Chiba.

III. Teleportation

1. Inhabitants of the Dream world are able to teleport to different settings and environments in an instant.
2. Use of jump cuts allows Konakawa travels from a circus to a jungle to a train.
3. Osanai instantly switches with Dr. Shima, and Chiba instantly turns into Paprika.
4. Paprika jumps through a television inside a room, and comes outside through a video camera.

IV. Impossibility of Mass

1. Some characters seem to have an impossible amount of mass hidden within themselves.
2. While Osanai tortures Chiba, Dr. Inui forcibly tears his way into reality through Osanai’s body.
3. Dr. Inui is wheelchair-bound, but at one point, stands up and walks when his legs shift into sentient tree roots.

V. Conclusion

1. The film “Paprika” breaks all the rules of reality in order to differentiate between their reality and dream world.
2. “Paprika” is able to show reality