The Pixar Planet [Un]Official Scenes of Honour!

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#1

I’ve had this idea in my head for a while now. I propose that, for each Feature Film, we nominate,

debate and vote on what we consider the best overall scene from that film, be it for technical reasons,

animation, acting, music, sound effects or, ideally, a blend of all of them. If Dash approves, then it would be

an interesting little feature to put on the front page, what we consider the best scene, and why.

If you

want to take part, the rules are simple: For each film, you may nominate one and only scene/sequence from that

film (So you can make up to seven nominations). You must elaborate on why you feel this is the best scene for

that film. After a period of time, we could gather up the nominations and put it to the vote, with the winner

becoming the Pixar Planet best scene for [Film].

And so, I give you my nominations:

Toy Story:

Woody talking to Buzz and explaining that being a toy is a noble profession. The rain effects are excellent, the

lighting reflects the mood as it turns more hopeful. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen play each character wonderfully, and

Randy Newman’s music is great, especially as he blends in the tune to “I will go sailing no more” as

Woody outlines all the cool stuff Buzz can do. The sinker is the emotion that the animators put into Buzz’s face

as he works through his depression and looks at the “ANDY” on his foot.

A Bug’s Life: Flik’s

speech about the Ants being much stronger than Hopper makes them out to be, "…and you know it, don’t

you?" This scene started out with Thumper ruthlessly beating up Flik on Hopper’s command, and Hopper

planning to use him as an example. Flik disperses this and manages to rally all the ants to defend themselves,

which was a very powerful and dramatic moment, as you realise just how many ants there are. The lighting of the

fire casts dark shadows across Hopper, and once again, the music is perfect.

Toy Story 2: "When

Somebody Loved Me". What’s not to like? Joan Cusack’s performance as Jessie before and after this song

really shows Jessie’s vulnerability. The song is beautiful, and the golden lighting throughout the song first

reminds us of happy times, then seemingly mocks Jessie as Emily grows up and abandons her. Again, the animators

put real conviction on Jessie’s face.

Monsters, Inc: Mike and Sulley’s banishment. No music this time,

but the sound of the roaring wind, Sulley’s fur’s interaction with it and John Goodman desparately crying

“No!” as he keeps opening and closing the door, in a futile attempt to lead them back to the factory.

It’s a very powerful scene as Sulley’s life of scaring children and loyalty to the company has been

shattered.

Finding Nemo: The Whale Scene. Thomas Newman used a beautiful, mournful tune as Marlin tries to

get out, while Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres (sp?) give out heartfelt lines about life. The dramatic climax

of the scene, as Marlin holds onto the whale’s tongue for fear of being eaten, cements it, especially when Dory

admits that she can’t tell if something bad is gonna happen.

The Incredibles: The 100-Mile Dash.

Everything comes together to you can feel what Dash is feeling as he puts himself through his paces for the first

time; the dual adrenalin blades of terror and excitement. You can’t help but cheer as Dash discovers more and

more about himself.

Cars: Doc’s drive around Willy’s Butte. This scene had no dialogue, not even gasps.

Like Gromitt, it works perfectly. Lightning could have kept uttering “Wow” and “Omigosh!”,

and that would have dejected the intensity of the scene. As you see Doc revving up to go, the close-ups border on

photorealism, and you can almost forget it’s just animation. It has some of Pixar’s best Cinematography yet,

and the dust and gravel kicked up looks so real. The sinker is Randy Newman’s music, managing to feel both

modern and classically western at the same time, allowing yourself to be absorbed as Doc proves to himself that

he’s still got it.

So what would you nominate?

#2

I thought that “Sailing” played after Buzz saw

the Al’s Toy Barn commercial, proving that Woody was right, that he was “just” a toy. Buzz decides to

prove to himself that he can fly, just as Randy Newman sings "No, it can’t be true/I could fly if I wanted

to…", so Buzz climbs the stair railing and jumps off, but he realizes that he can’t fly, and crashes to

the bottom of the stairs, breaking his arm off. Buzz takes one look at himself and his “dismembered”

arm, and closes his eyes in defeat.

In fact, that’s my Toy Story scene… more to come.

#3

Nice idea! This concept could definitely

work. Here are my nominations-

Toy Story- The scene in which Buzz has a rocket strapped to his back, and

both he and Woody manage to get out of Sid’s back garden. The whole scene from there on, with Woody managing to

get into the removal van but Buzz just missing it, and going on to lighting the rocket and flying through the air

is such an emotional high, and comes to the perfect conclusion with the two of them landing right next to Andy.

The fact that the two of them actually decide to go to Andy, flying right above the removal van, sums up the

entire point of their existence. Not only is this sequence action-packed, but it’s also pretty emotional, and

can really get people cheering.

A Bug’s Life- I agree with RMS’ nomination, of the scene containing

Flik’s speech about the ants being much stronger than Hopper makes them out to be.

Toy Story 2- Once

again, I agree with RMS’ choice.

Monsters, Inc.- The scene in which Waternoose is fooled into revealing

his true nature. In a fierce and frightening chase, Sulley and Waternoose end up in the similator room.

Waternoose’s statement, ‘I’d kidnap a thousand children before letting this company die!’ (or something

similar) is shocking, and the Pixar’s technical capibilities in making the sim room look so much like Boo’s by

using a special lighting effect and therefore tricking the audience, as well as Waternoose. Also, the satisfying

reveal of where they actually are, as well as Mike’s humurous, ‘now, let’s see what he did wrong, shall we?’

has the ultimate good overriding evil moment.

Finding Nemo- The panic of the scene in which Marlin wakes

up to find that Nemo is gone. His exact emotions- shock and fear- are translated so well that the audience can

really experience what he is. Also, the music, provided mainly by a lone and ominous piano creates a frightening

and confusing atmosphere.

The Incredibles- I have to agree with RMS’ choice.

Cars- Once again, I

agree with RMS’ choice.

#4

Wow – what an interesting idea. I am rather inclined to favor your

proposition, RMS. Hopefully, Dash will agree. (heheh)

Here, my nominations are as follows:

Toy Story - I also agree with you on this one, RMS.

[b]A

Bug’s Life[/b] - Your favorite scene is also my favorite, RMS. The fact that Flick had enough courage

to stand up to Hopper, after all he had previously been through throughout the film, adds to the definitive

emotions of this scene. The burning light from the fire in the backround sets a frightful, almost desparate tone,

which is helpful as it adds more flavor to the scene.

Toy Story 2 - I

believe it is a tie between two scenes:

a) Yes, [i]"When She Loved

Me"[/i] is truely a very moving scene – perhaps one of the most emotional of all the moments in

Toy Story 2. A diminuative portion of the audience may be able to relate to

Jessie’s depression, while those who do not are still “in league” with the title character of this

scene – they understand and feel sympathy for Jessie’s backround.

b) When Woody refuses to return to

Andy’s residence with Buzz and the other toys. One of the key moments I noticed concerning this scene – and one

that, perhaps, often gets overlooked – is when Slinky turns to stare at Woody for, what he thinks, will be the

last time. It intensifies the known bond between those two characters, even though it is quite subtle.

And, of course, we cannot emit the feeling that is experienced when Woody realizes what being a toy is all about:

to bring pleasure and joy to a child.

For these two scenes, the lighting and shadows all either intensify

or slowly decrease to match the mood of its scene. The score is also beautifully integrated into both sections of

the film.

Monsters Inc. - For Monsters Inc., I

nominate this entry: Sulley and Boo. Here, I am referring to the moment when Sulley

bids his farewell to Boo. I appreciate the fact that Pixar refrains from making Sulley cry straight-out, but

rather causes his eyes to well up with tears…in a quiet, simple way. Boo’s reaction to Sulley’s departure is

also a very heart-wrenching moment.

Finding Nemo - "Dory Speaks

Whale" - I think that this is probably one of the most vivid scenes that stands out in my mind whenever I

think of Finding Nemo. The humor and hilarity of it not only made me clench my

stomach from laughter, it also brought a feeling of nostalgia that had been hiding in the back of my memory. My

sister and I used to do comedic little things such as that, so seeing it on screen just made it all the more

worthwhile.

The Incredibles - I have to agree with RMS on this scene, as

well. The feeling of speed captivates the hearts and souls of many, especially myself in particular. Once again,

viewing a passion of mine in a more “real” and larger format intensified that adrenaline rush…

The lighting and effects are incredible, as well.

Cars - My pick for

this unforgetable film is directly in league with that of RMS’ scene of choice. Something about that moment with

Doc and his choice to relive one of many key elevations and downfalls in his life, brought back to me a love for

western scores and a life of solitude. To some, it is just another scene. But to me? Well…let us just say that

I was captivated beyond knowledge of captivation. Let us also say that I experience a unique feeling: one that

caused me to believe that I had known Doc for years, yet had never met him.

Just wait until

Ratatouille comes out… :wink:

Thank you for creating this post, RMS – it

gave me a chance to express my love for Pixar even further. :smiley:

#5

Wow,

let’s see…

Toy Story: I actually like the end chase after the moving van best
Bugs Life: Cant

comment
Toy Story 2: The entire sequence at the airport, especially chasing after and inside the

plane
Monsters Inc: Hard for me to think of a single scene. I liked the Door vault and the chase around the

world
Finding Nemo: The turtles in the EAC and Nemo and Marlin finally reuniting at the end (can i have 2

scenes for this one?)
Incredibles: I like the whole flashback Glory Days segment at the beginning
Cars:

Definitely Doc racing around Willy’s Butte :smiley:

#6

Toy Story - The Army Man Sequence. This scene blows

me away every time I see it. The brilliant directing and humor of this scene is perfect, with an amazing piece

of score from Randy Newman. This is one of my top picks, not only for Toy Story, but for all Pixar

movies.

A Bug’s Life - Flik vs. Hopper. I have

to agree with RMS that Flik’s speech when he stands up against Hopper is the best scene in the movie. However,

if I were to choose a second favorite scene, it would be the sequence right after the grasshoppers arrive and for

that brief moment the fate of the entire ant colony is up to Dot. The fact that she’s flying by the end of it

makes it all the better.

[b]Toy Story 2 - Woody Stays

Behind.[/b] I agree with Mitch’s second choice for TS2. It is such a sad moment when Woody’s

friends arrive to rescue him, but he’s forgotten everything that was once important to him, and refuses to

return with them.

Monsters, Inc. - Last Scene.

My favorite moment in MI is at the very end when Sully peaks his head into Boo’s room and you hear her

off-screen saying “Kitty” and the scene fades to black. The perfect end to a

movie!

Finding Nemo - Nigel Brings News to Nemo.

It begins with the somber moment inside Gill’s skull as he apologizes to Nemo for putting him in danger. Then

Nigel shows up and excitedly tells Nemo everything his father has been doing to get Nemo back, with the beautiful

score by Thomas Newman. This then motivates Nemo to try stopping the filter

again.

[b]The Incredibles - Conversation in the

Cave.[/b] Amazing dialogue in this scene by Helen as she prepares to leave and tells Violet and Dash

what to do if in danger. Then Violet follows Helen outside, still upset that she failed in the plane. Helen

gives her daughter a beautiful speech before leaving, and Violet puts on her mask and stands proud for the first

time.

Cars - Lightning Found. It starts on such

a joyous note, as the town comes alive for the first time in years, with the lights flashing brightly and the

cars cruising down the newly paved road. Then McQueen is found and forcibly separated from his new friends as

Mack carries him off to the big race. It is then revealed that Doc was responsible for Lightning being found,

and all the cars leave him sitting alone in the middle of town as the lights blink out, one by one.