Brad Bird, I think it was, actually described Ratatouille as a film with very physical, slapstick humour, so I don’t think they’ll go the same route as again… I think the humour in WALL●E will be more about clever observations, like with The Incredibles, rather than flat out physical humour, but you never know.
But anyway, onto body language. Since the first 1/3 of the movie is essentially a silent film, there will be no choice but to sit there and learn about the main character and his personality and situation but through his body language and other visual clues. So, there is no choice with whether they’ll use body language or not since that’s what the beggining of the film is hinged on. I’m sure they’ll do that right, though. Have a look at the long trailer - even better if it’s in slow motion and look at the anthropomorphisation of WALL●E, particularly when he is propelled away by the fire extinguisher. Heh. So we have nothing to worry about in that regard.
I am really looking forward to WALL●E because Pixar have implied that the movie will not be like anything they have ever done before. I admire the studio because they always push themselves in every sense of the phrase: animation, story, characters, themes, maturity… And not since Short Circuit have I felt such an attachment to a robot. ^.^
Generally speaking, I have no doubt whatsoever that this is going to be an amazing film. Come on, it’s Pixar!
If I had to think up some concerns it would probably be whether or not the general audience will accept Pixar’s new direction, or even understand it. Will the general audience be able to comprehend issues such as…
[spoil]- overweight people as representation of today’s overindulgence
- taking care of the environment, as well as the current problem of “unchecked consumerism.”
- a non-traditional unrequited love story between robots
- where the first third of the film is dialogue-free[/spoil]
How would people go with those above themes? They are pretty out there. Oh well. Nuts to them, I say if they don’t get it. It will probably get good reviews and make a ton of money, but even if it doesn’t it will probably be a classic, which is pretty much the story with most Pixar films, anyway. The problem wouldn’t be if the movie is good enough for the audience, it would be if the audience is say, cultured enough, to get it.
So to sum it up, I think this movie will reach new heights in every way, and will be like nothing else that Pixar, or anyone else, has ever released. I think smart people will get it, animation buffs and youngish people like our age should get it, those with open minds who can follow a story without their senses being assaulted every five seconds will enjoy the little dialogue as a different way of telling a story… Basically it’s different and I think people will appreciate that. Refreshing.
Anyone who doesn’t like it, probably doesn’t have an open mind, or good taste, anyway. But we’ll just have to see how it’s received. I have faith, though. It should be fine - these concerns are minute compared to how well I think it’ll do and how excited I am to see it.
) Now I’m proud of Pixar for having the guts to do that, and this will raise the bar for all the other animated movies out there… but I don’t want it to distract from the main focus of the story.
I should have more faith in Pixar.
