Day: February 21, 2023

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12801262/ * https://movieweb.com/movie/soul/ * https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1049413/

Three Pixar Animated Films to Invoke the Feeling of Being Alive

Written by Julia Shaw

It is a rare occurrence when a film’s underlying beauty is so potent that it awakens you and reminds you of the allure of life; Pixar’s animated movies Luca, Soul, and Up have such abilities. 

Sometimes it is difficult to remember that life is beautiful; our perception of life becomes tainted with time, with recurring reminders of our mortality and our weaknesses and our flaws. However, a sanctuary from these thoughts can be found within films. With vivid colours, relatable and loveable characters, and emotional stories, we can remember that life is full of wonders and chaos and joy. 

Established as an independent company on February 3rd, 1986, Pixar has mastered the ability to encapsulate human emotion and flaws into cinematic pieces. Subsequent to its establishment, several blockbuster movies have been released by Pixar, such as the Toy Story films and The Incredibles. However, this is such an undeniable, transcendent quality in Luca, Soul, and Up that is missing in the other films. 

Luca: The Sea Monster Who Felt Alive on Land

https://allears.net/2021/06/20/disney-pixars-luca-easter-eggs-you-dont-want-to-miss/

The beauty of Luca stems from its simplicity. On the coast of Portorosso, Italy (which is a fictional location based on Genoa, Italy) Luca Paguro holds this immense desire to explore the land beyond the sea. Despite his parents beseeching him to remain submerged in the depths of the sea – where he will be safe – he defies them and ventures toward the shoreline, where he finds another sea monster residing on the shore; Alberto Scorfano, a self-proclaimed adventurer. Their dreams to explore the vast world align, and as a result, they innovate a scheme to acquire a Vespa. To achieve this improbable endeavour, the sea monsters conspire with Giulia – a human girl with undeniable ambition – to win the Portorosso Cup and finance their Vespa. However, with Luca’s frantic parents hunting him down, Giulia’s burly father with an intense hatred for sea monsters, and Ercole Visconti bullying the sea monsters with an untamed ferocity, their plan to explore the world seems vain. 

“I never go anywhere, I just dream about it.” – Luca Paguro, Luca

Luca reminds viewers of the beauty of life, because of Luca’s in-depth character development, the allure to live that Luca discovers within himself, and the film’s inclusivity of the authentic and rich culture of Genoa, Italy. Attributed to the film’s simplicity, there was more time for the movie’s director Enrico Casarosa and script-writers Simon Stephenson and Jesse Andrews to depict nuances and diverse behaviours in the characters, predominantly Luca and Alberto. In Luca, Luca’s obsession with land stems from curiosity, as his parents mollycoddled him, which led to his ignorance toward the lives of humans. However, through his experience on land, he became enamoured by knowledge and the feel of a hard-leathered book between his webbed fingers. The portrayal of his passion to read and learn and explore the diversity of human life is beautiful.

How often do we diminish our human desire to learn and become more than we currently are, because it is difficult? In addition, Enrico’s upbringing in Genoa, Italy lends to the authentic Italian touch to this film. Through the warm tones – saffron, gold, fire, terracotta – the fictional location is reminiscent of Italy’s quaint villages situated by the seaside. Luca uplifts those who are struggling to feel motivated through the story of a boy who found himself and a thirst for knowing more. The story of Luca is also beautiful, because it describes – through animation and emotion – the feeling of freedom. 

“You and me? We can do anything.” – Alberto Scorfano, Luca

https://www.thedesertreview.com/opinion/reel_scenes/reel-scenes-luca/article_eb71065c-d1b8-11eb-9876-9319c32df4c9.html

Soul: Life Is Fleeting, so Savour It.

https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2560857/soul-the-most-emotional-moments-from-the-pixar-movie

The beauty of Soul stems from its relatability and exploration of the human condition. In the bustling atmosphere of New York City, music teacher Joe Gardner auditions for the opportunity to perform alongside jazz musician Dorothea Williams; his piano-playing abilities impress Dorothea and the job is his. However, his uncontainable excitement brings about his demise, as he falls into a sewer. His soul begins to wander toward the Great Beyond, but Joe’s ambition and unrelenting desire for the opportunity to debut alongside Dorothea fight against his soul’s innate urge to conform with the rules of the afterlife. As a result, Joe is thrust into the Great Before, which is where young souls find their spark and ignite their journey to inhabitant and roam upon Earth.

Posing as a soul counsellor – inspirers of the young souls – Joe schemes with a stubborn, young soul who is unwilling to embark on a journey of life; the young soul – named 22 – has no desire to live, and so 22 offers Joe her life. Nevertheless, 22 must determine her spark before Joe’s soul can reunified with his body. The story of Joe and 22 is heartfelt; Joe had this preconceived idea that one’s spark was their purpose on Earth, however, this idea begins to deteriorate as 22 begins to understand that her spark stems not from a personal ambition – such as Joe’s passion for music – but from her appreciation of life itself. The caress of the wind, the faint smell of bakery goods, and the feistiness of Joe’s cat ignite the spark within 22. Through Joe’s journey toward fame and recognition, and his obsession with his musical feats, Joe realizes he forgot to live; he forgot to savour and experience life. 

“The zone is enjoyable. But when that joy becomes an obsession, one becomes disconnected from life.” – Moonwind, Soul

The human condition – what it means to be human – is explored and understood through Soul. Viewers are reminded that our existence is fleeting, and if we are too engrossed in trying to fathom our existence or the reason why we are here, we forsake the opportunity bestowed upon us to simply live. Co-directer and co-writer of Soul – Pete Docter – divulged that he wrote Soul to depict his confusion and anxiety subsequent to the release of Pixar’s Inside Out, as he felt unfulfilled despite his accomplishments. As a result, he concluded that life is not meant to be judged on one’s wins or losses, but rather it is meant to be lived, and lived freely. Soul is a gentle yet reverberating reminder to unburden yourself from the perpetual stress of feeling as though you have to prove yourself and your existence. You are worth the life you have, so enjoy it; this reminder is the reason Soul is beautiful. 

“I’m going to live every minute of it.” – Joe Gardner, Soul

https://www.cinemablend.com/news/2560857/soul-the-most-emotional-moments-from-the-pixar-movie

Up: Letting Go of Someone Lost to Find Yourself

https://edsays.catchplay.com/sg/article-1583-72iunivt\

The beauty of Up stems from its portrayal of raw emotion and the feeling of losing yourself. In the foremost scene of the film, viewers witness the moment Carl Fredricksen and Ellie (soon-to-be Fredricksen) fell in love. Ellie holds this immense desire to explore South America, and Carl promises to bring her to Paradise Falls (a fictional place, inspired by Angel Falls in Venezuela). Alas, life’s unpredictability impedes their ability to escape to Paradise Falls, and Ellie dies without the opportunity to explore the vastness of this Earth. Carl’s grief results in a stupor, until he stumbles across Russell – an impassioned and heartfelt boy – and in a moment of pure chaos, the old man and the young boy are drifting toward Paradise Falls in a house carried by more than one thousand balloons. 

Although Carl’s imposing and harsh demeanour seem formidable, truthfully Carl feels this immense emptiness from his overbrimming grief. Russell’s role in the story is to convince Carl to overcome his pain and let go of his grasp on Ellie, so Carl can become himself once more and truly live. 

“Imagine all the wonderful things that will never happen if you do not let them.” – Ellie Fredricksen, Up

Up explores the unfathomable grief and pain you experience when someone who made you feel seen dies. This movie reminds viewers of the beauty of life, because sometimes we lose ourselves as a result of traumatic incidents in life. The inspiration for this movie stemmed from the directors’ and writers’ – Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson – admiration for stubborn 84-year-old Edith Macefield, who refused to relinquish her century-old property to developers. However, Carl abstained from selling his property because of the emotional ties he held between the house and Ellie; these emotional ties led to Carl’s bitter countenance and disdain for the world in which he lived. However, through Russell’s empathy and persistence, the real Carl begins to glimmer once more. The portrayal of Carl’s physical and emotional journey is beautiful, because his emotions are real. Up provides those who are struggling with despair with hope through the story of a man who found the strength to live in a world without his lover and explore it in her wake. 

“You will always be my greatest adventure.” – Carl Fredricksen, Up

https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/up-script-pdf-screenplay-download/

https://www.hulu.com/series/gravity-falls-5d931e25-bd29-46f2-9baf-b5a0b4c001f8

Gravity Falls: The TV Series About the Insidious Unravelment of an Enigmatic Town

Written by Julia Shaw

Amidst the commonplace TV series plaguing our media consumption, there lies some TV series featuring diverse and in-depth characters, heartfelt adventures, and the feeling of belongingness. Gravity Falls, released on October 15^th, 2013, is amongst the most well-crafted and peculiarly structured TV shows of all time. The children of the 2000s have been undeniably influenced by Gravity Falls, its relatable and loveable characters, and the raw emotions felt throughout the journey of Mable and Dipper Pines as they unravelled the secrets of the sinister town, Gravity Falls.

“You’re scared of growing up. And who could blame you? I’m scared too.” – Dipper Pines, “Weirdmageddon, Part 2: Escape from Reality”

It is of utmost importance that the children of our generation periodically immerse ourselves into the reminiscences of old times; this provides an escape from the overwhelming feeling of adulthood. Gravity Falls is the ultimate cartoon TV series to rewatch, as it is overbrimming with adventure and humour, which juxtaposes the underlying truth and sobriety in the entire storyline. The elements of this TV series that attribute to its relatability and depth include the journey and growth of the eccentric characters, the intertwinement of humour and suspense, the mysteries and riddles weaved into the storyline, and the contribution of each episode to a fulfilling, overarching story. 

The Relatability and Emotional Depth of Gravity Falls

1. 1. Eccentric characters with relatable feelings and emotions.
   2. Humour, eeriness, and suspense intertwined.
   3. The mysteries and riddles weaved throughout the episodes.
   4. Each episode contributes to the overarching storyline, which leaves the audience fulfilled.

Eccentric Characters with Relatable Feelings and Emotions

https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2012/06/inspired_by_boring_ore_its_tru.html

In Gravity Falls, each character is diverse and undergoes their own personal journey of growth and maturity. The main characters – twins Mable and Dipper Pines – have contrasting personalities and behaviours. Mable is sunshine and rainbows in tangible form; nonetheless, throughout her adventures in the TV series, inner layers of toughness and courage are demonstrated by this twelve-year-old heroine.

“Looks like Mabel’s going to have to be the hero of the family now. I’ll defeat Gideon with my grappling hook!” – Mable Pines, “Gideon Rises”

In contrast, Dipper is realistic, strategic, and undeniably anxious; he begins as a scrawny boy and matures into a boy who is hungry for knowledge and has the confidence and capabilities to be a hero. For instance, he battles his inner thoughts of his preconceived ideas of manliness and his lack thereof; as a result, through his escapade with the minotaurs, he redefines what it means to be a man. Each character encounters moments where their self-worth depreciates or they feel lost; however, through realistic methods of self-reflection and encouragement from others, they find themselves. Even the antihero Great Uncle (Grunkle) Stan has complexities beneath his lethargic and grumpy demeanour. When the ending of the season finale – “Weirdmageddon, Part 3: Take Back the Falls” – is reached, viewers lament the adventures Mabel, Dipper, Stan, and the other characters will embark on beyond the screen. 

Humour, Eeriness, and Suspense Intertwined

https://www.tvinsider.com/48985/gravity-falls-alex-hirsch-talks-weirdmageddon/

The tone throughout Gravity Falls is unparalleled in cinematic history. The flair of the TV series’ writer Alex Hirsch and his ability to incorporate catharsis-inducing humour into intense and character-building moments throughout the entire series is profound.

“Look, it’s time we stop trying to be so ‘perfect’ and be who we really are. We’re crazed, angry, sweaty animals! We’re not unicorns! We’re WOMEN! AND WE TAKE WHAT WE WANT!!!” – Wendy Corduroy, “The Last Mabelcorn”

Almost every sentence spoken by a character is simultaneously flabbergasting and sidesplitting. Nevertheless, certain scenes contain genuine and reflective conversations, which contribute to the versatility of Gravity Falls. For instance, Mabel questions her urge to love someone – even when they have hurt her recurringly – and battles her cognitive dissonance, which resonates with viewers. 

The Mysteries and Riddles Weaved Throughout the Episodes

https://www.vaultofculture.com/vault/nst/2018/04/13/gravityfalls

Each episode in Gravity Falls contains an element of mystery, which includes on-screen enigmas the characters must decipher, such as the author of the three journals detailing each sly and slick monster residing in Gravity Falls. However, each episode also contains a cryptogram in the end-credits for the enjoyment and involvement of viewers; this includes Caesar ciphers, Atbash ciphers, Substitution ciphers, and Vigenère ciphers. In addition, hidden within the TV series’ theme song is a subliminal message, which is also seen in the episode “Boyz Crazy”, where subliminal mind control is used to prompt a girl into falling in love. The riddles and puzzles integrated into the storyline diversifies Gravity Falls from other Disney+ TV series. 

Each Episode Contributes to the Overarching Storyline, Which Leaves the Audience Fulfilled

https://gravityfalls.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_creatures

Each episode of Gravity Falls is nuanced. Each episode includes a ravenous, formidable, or demonic monster, which Mabel, Dipper, and their friends must conquer; with each encounter, whether it be with minotaurs, mermen, or ferocious gnomes, a layer of the town of Gravity Falls is unpeeled. The order in which each anomaly occurs is strategic, with an intent to further thrust the plot toward the imminent final episodes, in which the overarching storyline is revealed. In addition, a recurring theme is prominent throughout the TV series: trust no one. 

“Remember, in Gravity Falls, there is no one you can trust.” – Dipper Pines, “Tourist Trapped”

Mabel and Dipper must navigate the turmoil of Gravity Falls with the knowledge that betrayal is expected and foolishness lies in eagerly divulging the truth. In the end, the reasons behind the lies and the restrained truths become evident when each episode is observed not individually, but as a collective.

My Personal Experience and Emotional Growth from Rewatching Gravity Falls

https://movieweb.com/gravity-falls-perfect-kids-and-adults/

I hold so much love in my heart for Gravity Falls and I have felt my metamorphosis as a person from growing up alongside Mabel and Dipper. I seek mysteries and I wander where my curiosity takes me, which is attributed to the heartwarming truths amid the outrageous adventures of Gravity Falls and its inhabitants. Although all would benefit from the underlying beauty of this TV series, 2000s kids – such as myself – are implored to re-immerse themselves into the story of Mabel and Dipper Pines, the twins that unravelled the secrets of this unsuspecting town and rattled the monsters in their wake.