The Hidden Message in Pixar’s Films

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/sciencenotfiction/2011/05/14/the-hidden-message-in-pixars-films/

by otherwise • 15 years ago

10 3 15 years ago

blogs.discovermagazine.com

I know this is going to get downvoted. And in the case of pixar its probably not true.

This article, however, reminds me of english class, where teachers insisted every little piece has hidden meaning. What if they just set out to make a good movie? Did the writer really intend for this hidden meaning or are you reading too far between the lines?

mbenjaminsmith• 15 years ago

I did a BA in literature and I struggled with this for years. There always is a deeper meaning in the sense that we can analyze what the characters represent in a political, social or other context. We can also analyze the author through similar lenses.

But rarely is there a code hiding just below the surface. Unfortunately, that didn't stop me from incessantly searching for them, even to the detriment of my education. My advisor finally said plainly in class, "there's no hidden meaning - save your energy."

I read the article and I think what the author is saying is that Pixar is trying to condition us to deal with non-human intelligence, whether that's man-made (AI) or extraterrestrial.

Another way to look at it is that Pixar knows stories of redemption are compelling. They use that arc as artfully as they use color or big eyes on their characters.

I'm not sure how much influence he has had overall, but Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille and pre-Pixar, The Iron Giant) uses redemption as the central theme in most of his work.

tobobo• 15 years ago

I think this conclusion is less obvious than it first appears, and to suggest that it is some sort of grand scheme on the part of Pixar is a little bit ridiculous.

I would say that the human/non-human interaction comes from trying a formula, finding out it works, and trying subtle variations.

His comments that "brave souls" will be "defending what is right" and things will be "better for it" could describe nearly any film, and should not be considered some indication of a trend with intention in Pixar films.

It's possible that he's merely trying to document/predict the effect of this particular combination of elements in many widely watched films, in which case his argument might be seen merely as exaggerated.

The Hidden Message in Pixar’s Films

Related Stories