Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know about Buck, in Call of the Wild 2020

Jack London’s Novel of 1903 was a masterpiece that captured the essence of the American frontier. It was also an endearing tale of a dog based on one London himself encountered while adventuring in the Yukon. While there have been older versions in Hollywood, the 2020 adaptation of “The Call of the Wild” brought Buck, the beloved canine character, back to life for the twenties generation. This CGI-enhanced rendition of Jack London’s iconic tale introduced audiences to a new, visually compelling version of the story. Check out these ten intriguing facts about Buck that you might not know, shedding light on both the film’s production and the character’s unique traits.

#1 The CGI Magic Behind Buck

Unlike traditional animal actors, Buck was brought to life using advanced CGI technology. This decision allowed the filmmakers to portray Buck in a more expressive and dynamic manner, overcoming limitations that live animal actors often present. To ensure realism, motion capture technology was employed, capturing the nuances of canine movement and expression. In the book, Buck is described as a large wolf like dog. Though he was a gentle guy, he was quite menacing in appearance. The film however made Buck look more docile and mutt looking reflective of the movie’s narrative.

Based on a Real-Life St. Bernard/Scotch Shepherd Mix

While Buck is a CGI creation in the 2020 film, he is based on the novel’s description of a large St. Bernard/Scotch Shepherd mix. The production team worked meticulously to design Buck’s appearance, mimicking the features and traits typical of these breeds, enhancing the character’s authenticity and appeal. Moreover, animators used a real life dog who was also a half St Bernard and half Shepherd mix named Buckley sourced from an animal shelter but later adopted by director Chris Sanders.

Terry Notary: The Artist Behind Buck

To bring Buck to life, renowned motion capture artist Terry Notary was enlisted. Notary is well-known for his work in films like “Planet of the Apes” and “Avatar.” His expertise in movement helped convey the physicality and emotional depth of Buck, making the character resonant with human and canine emotions alike.

A Star-Studded Collaboration

Buck shares the screen with Harrison Ford, who plays John Thornton, creating a legendary human-canine duo. The chemistry between the characters is central to the film’s narrative, and the performance by Ford adds depth to Buck’s journey of adventure and self-discovery.

A Departure from the Book’s Themes

While the core of Buck’s story remains true to Jack London’s novel, the 2020 film adaptation takes some creative liberties. The film emphasizes themes of companionship and loyalty more prominently, aligning with modern sensibilities and crafting family-friendly entertainment.

Live Action and CGI Fusion

Integrating live-action with CGI was a defining feature of the movie. The filmmakers focused on creating seamless interactions between Buck and the human characters, using technologies like simul-cam to synchronize CGI elements within the live-action context, providing a believable and engaging viewing experience.

Conveying Canine Emotions

One of the challenges the film faced was effectively communicating Buck’s emotions. The animation team focused intensely on Buck’s facial expressions, body language, and voice to evoke empathy and connection with the audience, successfully bringing an emotional depth that resonates on screen.

Inspiration from Nature

To create Buck’s environment, the filmmakers took inspiration from real Alaskan landscapes. They crafted stunning CGI vistas that capture the untamed wilderness, enhancing Buck’s adventurous journey and underscoring the film’s themes of nature and freedom.

Buck: A Symbol of Adaptation and Survival

Ultimately, Buck’s story in “The Call of the Wild” serves as a powerful symbol of adaptation and survival. Through his journey from domestication to embracing his wild instincts, Buck embodies resilience, highlighting the enduring themes of personal growth and nature’s call that continue to captivate audiences. Through these ten insights into the character of Buck and the film’s production, we can appreciate the effort and creativity involved in bringing this beloved story to life in a new, innovative way.