GREAT MECHANICS EXCERPT (Summer 2014)
THE CONTROVERSIAL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND SPACE
――― There were opinions that caused controversy regarding the time-space journey of the Neo Zeong.
Furuhashi: When Fukui saw the first draft of the storyboard, he, too, mentioned that part should be handled in a more imaginative way (metaphorically). Personally, I thought that if the psycho-frame could move stars, time travel wouldn’t be that outlandish. However, we treated the past as a flash of the universe’s memories.
――― Lalah did say she “saw time,” after all.
Furuhashi: As long as it’s just seeing, there’s no problem. The resonance between the Unicorn Gundam in its full psycho-frame Destroy Mode and the halo of the Neo Zeong resulted in the generation of a psycho-field. It’s the outcome of the strongest Newtypes connecting.
――― If the psycho-frame has such capabilities, it wouldn’t be strange if the wills of various people in the universe are revived.
Furuhashi: It’s a somewhat occult interpretation, but it suggests that the souls of Spacenoids surround the Earth and create another dimension. That’s why in ep3, those who had passed away, like Gilboa and Daguza, were able to come to the aid within the Earth’s atmosphere.
――― There were such depictions since “Mobile Suit Gundam.”
Furuhashi: I intended to lay the groundwork bit by bit, but it might have still appeared abrupt. I have regrets, but no remorse.
――― Lastly, transcending dimensions is also a common trope in entertainment.
Furuhashi: Except for documentaries, it’s necessary to make a leap at the end as part of the visual experience, and I believe that is the ultimate catharsis. I feel that the sense of immersion is especially crucial in theaters. We had no choice but to create a confrontation between the two characters that didn’t rely on a decisive battle of force.
