Identify - Inside Out

I just watched Pixar’s Inside Out last week and I really enjoyed it (obviously, I always enjoy Pixar productions). But this time, I really realised why I do enjoy them so much; of course the character design, Animation and overall look of Pixar movies is incredible but past those aspects what is left? The stories. Pixar stories are some of the best in the Animation Industry. I think this is because they are very honest about emotions and life. Pixar, for me, seems to end a lot of it’s movies on a bittersweet note. For instance, if a beloved character dies, there isn’t a ‘reunion’ at the end of the movie where that same character somehow returns. And that is okay, because that’s life. I greatly admire Pixar for maintaining this element in their productions. 

On the same note, Pixar did something very clever (whether or not intentionally, I am not sure). They really emphasised the idea of life and all of the emotions that come along with it with one very simple motive: not every event or emotion needs to be a joyful experience.

"I think ultimately it’s something that we can all relate to. We all want happiness in our life. I mean there’s so many books on like how to be happy and what you need for happiness and you want that for your kid too, you want your kid to be happy. We literally tell our kids don’t to be sad, and yet there is a real value to all the other emotions that is part of the richness of life and it’s not until you really recognize that I think you really have the ability to connect with the world in a deeper way. … The ups and downs of life and the things that hurt. When you fall and scrape your knee those are things that are going ultimately really shape you and make you into a richer more rounded person. … And with sadness specifically, in America you read about people medicating to avoid sadness. They don’t want to experience sadness and yet it’s such a vital part of being human."

 Director Pete Docter, from http://screenrant.com/inside-out-pixar-visit-concept-art-joy-sadness/

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The character designs are endearing and unique. I am impressed (but not surprised) that Pixar was able to produce characters that represent negative emotions such as fear, anger, disgust and sadness. All of these characters were completely relatable while still maintaining their individual ‘personalities’. 

Here is the concept art for Joy and Sadness 

Background concept art. I am absolutely in love with every background design in this production. They have a childish dreamlike quality to them. The colours are soft and complementary and there are often elements of light and glowing that makes it that much more magical.

Screen Rant, Kara Warner: ‘Inside-Out’: New Concept Art revealed; Pixar talks story (2015). [Online] Available at: http://screenrant.com/inside-out-pixar-visit-concept-art-joy-sadness/. (Accessed 06/11/2015).