Today in class we finished viewing Wall-e. The movie climaxed with the captain warding off Auto and regaining control of his ship. Wall-e and Eve face a harsh struggle, but Eve helps to pull them both through and gives the movie its happy ending. Be sure to submit your themes before 12:00 tonight for full credit. After viewing the film we worked in groups to pick the three strongest themes and place them into a slide. We also had to write a paragraph explaining a strong topic within the film. Also, don't forget to start working on your Summer Reading essays!
Personally I am a huge fan of Pixar and the work they do, especially their earlier films. I think one of the most interesting stories is how Pixar came up with their initial film ideas. In the late 80s there was a meeting in a coffee shop between a few Pixar animators (including John Lasseter who is now head of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation). At this meeting they brainstormed ideas for films on a napkin and this is where Toy Story, Monster's Inc, Finding Nemo, and Wall-e were born. A few years later Pixar would strike a deal with Disney to produce three films, and they began with Toy Story in 1995. Needless to say it was a critical and financial success which allowed Pixar to create A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monster's Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, and finally Wall-e. It took nearly 2 decades, but in 2008 Wall-e was finally brought to life and was able to join the ranks of Pixar ideas turned Pixar success stories. After this long winded report on Pixar's history, the point that I need to make to connect to theme is a comparison between the initial 4 films they brainstormed. A theme that is consistent across the four films is the idea that no matter how unlikely a friendship may be, the two characters need each other to succeed. Whether it be Buzz and Woody, Mike and Sully, Marlin and Dory, or Wall-e and Eve, these unlikely duos need one another in order to find success in their story. This theme exists across many Pixar films (Cars [McQueen and Mater], Up [Carl and Russel], Inside Out [Joy and Sadness], and The Good Dinosaur [Arlo and Spot].) To say the least, from day one Pixar has mastered the art of putting the theme "opposites attract and find success" into action successfully.
Great blog post, Steven! The right balance of helpful information from our classroom endeavors and a substantial extension that applies our learning to the world at large. Thorough analysis of opposites as a means to success as a consistent theme across Pixar’s films. Consider how you can specify that even more. WHY do opposites attract? HOW do opposites attract? Those questions will further develop your thematic analysis.
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