Dir- Ron Clements and John Musker
Year – 1992
Running Time – 90 minutes
Screen writing Genre – Out of the Bottle (Angel)
The Film
Aladdin is one of the last great Disney movies and is a nice film that appeals to everyone. It was nominated for Four Oscars and won two of them (Best Original song and best original Score). While the film may not have the added depth of some of Pixar’s later work it certainly has a clear message and it is easy to see why it remains fondly remembered.
What’s in a name?
Fairly straight forward this one. The film being based on the Arabian Nights story of Aladdin which most people are already familiar with means all we need is a simple reference to our main character. It tells us Aladdin is our main man and, as nothing else has been added, we know this is going to be a fairly traditional telling of the tale.
What makes it great?
The real thing that makes Aladdin great is the sense of fun that remains throughout. The animation and music are exception and really set the scene of the time and locations out in the Arabian sands (incidentally, Aladdin is based in the country we now call Jordan). It is also very easy to watch and has a clear structure and some sharp dialogue. The Short running time also means we are never in danger of become bored.
The ‘Angel’ Out of the Bottle Movie
Again, this is fairly straight forward. The notion of letting something out of the bottle is fed into by the original Aladdin story. It requires that a wish is made and something magical happens. Obviously, in this case the genie is let out of the bottle to grant Aladdin wishes. We refer to this story as an ‘Angel’ Out of the Bottle, because in these types of tales a magical being appears, or is sent, to help out our hero and guide them to their goal.
Time Line
Opening Image – Barren sand and a lone merchant singing “Arabian Nights” sets us up for the tale that unfolds.
Theme Stated –Our theme which will be reinforced throughout the film is that “it’s not what is on the outside but what is on the inside that matters” which our helpful merchant tells us right at the start.
A little later we will get a second theme relating to freedom and what it is to be free.
Set-Up – Jafar tries to get the lamp from the cave of wonders but he can’t as he needs the “Diamond in the Rough.”
Catalyst – Aladdin’s confrontation with the prince tells us that he wants more from his life. The prince then meets Jasmine who, after their meeting, sneaks out of the castle which sets the chain of events in motion that will lead Aladdin to the lamp.
Debate – Aladdin and Jasmine discuss their dreams and their problems.
Break into Two – When Aladdin is captured and thrown into the dungeon he has crossed into an unfamiliar world and we are in act two.
B Story – Our B story comes when Aladdin meets the genie. It is with the Genie that our theme(s) will be discussed.
Fun and Games – Aladdin plays with his new magic powers. He also takes on a disguise and new name just like a fool triumphant would. The rules about the magic are stated here and we even get a discussion of the theme when he says the lamp looks “old and worthless”.
Midpoint – Our midpoint is an ‘up’ or false victory after the down of Aladdin being in the dungeon at the break into two. Here Aladdin, now Prince Ali, marches down the street and enters the palace.
Bad Guys Close In – Jafar’s scheme to marry the princess continues and he is also onto Aladdin’s disguise.
All is Lost – Aladdin is dumped into the Ocean and almost drowns (Whiff of Death).
Dark Night of the Soul – At minute 65 Aladdin thinks that he is nothing without the genie. He recovers and realises he has to tell the truth.
Break into Three – Having had an ‘up’ at the midpoint we about to hit a ‘down' as we break into three with the royal wedding being crashed by Jafar.
Finale – Jafar steals the lamp and now Aladdin must ‘Do without the Magic’ to win the day and show he has it inside him all along. He will also realise that he should have kept his word and let the genie go when he said he would.
Final image – Jafar vanquished, we see Aladdin and Jasmine together in an open star lit sky, both free, both knowing the true worth of the other.
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Friday, 1 February 2013
UP! Script Breakdown
Dir- Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson
Year – 2009
Running Time – 96 Mins
Screen writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Buddy Fleece)
The Film
The current darling of the animated world UP cleared up at the BAFTA awards and also picked up a number of Oscars as well. UP is a genuine classic and a film that has finally seen the animated movie fully mature, proving it can handle adult themes in a touching and fully credible way.
The story of Carl is brilliantly told and contains a number of strong images and messages. One thing that really stands out is the ironic take on the biblical tale of the man and his burden. Here Carl is weighed down emotionally by having to get the house to paradise falls but the actual burden is floating above him.
What’s in a name?
The title of the film seems deliberately cryptic. It tells us nothing about the characters or setting and nothing about the genre. I have to say this isn’t the strongest of titles and lacks the knack Pixar have for summing up their films with the title.
What makes it great?
So many things make UP a classic film. The animation is exceptional, the originality in the tale is brilliant and the script and camera shots are of the highest quality. Even the music is scored excellently. UP really is a film it's hard to fault, a master class in storytelling and film making that everyone can learn something from.
UP as a Golden Fleece Buddy Movie
The Golden Fleece covers films where our hero goes on a journey seeking something. Along the way he learns life lessons and grows as a person. Normally the hero starts by seeking one, normally false, prize but ends finding another true, prize along the way.
The Buddy fleece is where our hero is helped along the way by a group of (normally oddball), friends. UP fills the bill perfectly as our hero is helped by a colourful cast of characters, all who have their flaws, but who succeed by working together.
Time Line
Opening Image – The ‘Lost world of South America’
Theme Stated – Our theme revolves around the idea that ‘Adventure is out there’. Adventure is out there but it is also right on your doorstep and it is important not become obsessed with one goal.
Set-Up – The life of Ellie and Carl, we see how they meet, fall in love and what happens up to her death.
Catalyst – Carl hits the workman at minute 17.
Debate – Carl asks “What do I do now Ellie”.
B Story – Carl finds Russell on the porch, which starts the ‘Love Story’
Break into Two – Carl floats the house to South America and on minute 26 we emerge from the clouds in the new world.
Fun and Games – We meet new characters such as Kevin the bird and Doug. Russell and Carl explore the forest and Carl reveals there is enough helium to last fro three days (time clock).
This is a good example of fun and games as the characters literally play games. Kevin plays hide and seek and imitates, Doug chases after the ball and tries to capture Kevin.
Midpoint – Carl and Russell talk and our story takes a more serious turn as we learn about Russell’s circumstances. It is also raining and dark.
Bad Guys Close In – The dogs appear and take the group hostage. We meet Muntz and learn he has not given up on his obsession to find the bird.
All is Lost – Muntz takes Kevin at minute 63. There is a great whiff of death here as well as Doug makes the joke about the squirrel.
Dark Night of the Soul – Carl gets angry and walks alone to the falls. Sitting in his chair in the grey palette house he realises it's not quite what he imagined. He recovers when he reads Ellie’s adventure book.
Break into Three –Carl, having learned it's all about the journey and that family can be the greatest adventure, sets out to save Kevin and Russell.
Finale – Carl throws everything out of the house and flies off to save the day. Doug and Russell win their individual battles. Carl beats Muntz (ironically with Carl’s burden) and house disappears. The final remnants of his obsession have been overcome.
Final image – the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ at home and the house on the cliff.
Year – 2009
Running Time – 96 Mins
Screen writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Buddy Fleece)
The Film
The current darling of the animated world UP cleared up at the BAFTA awards and also picked up a number of Oscars as well. UP is a genuine classic and a film that has finally seen the animated movie fully mature, proving it can handle adult themes in a touching and fully credible way.
The story of Carl is brilliantly told and contains a number of strong images and messages. One thing that really stands out is the ironic take on the biblical tale of the man and his burden. Here Carl is weighed down emotionally by having to get the house to paradise falls but the actual burden is floating above him.
What’s in a name?
The title of the film seems deliberately cryptic. It tells us nothing about the characters or setting and nothing about the genre. I have to say this isn’t the strongest of titles and lacks the knack Pixar have for summing up their films with the title.
What makes it great?
So many things make UP a classic film. The animation is exceptional, the originality in the tale is brilliant and the script and camera shots are of the highest quality. Even the music is scored excellently. UP really is a film it's hard to fault, a master class in storytelling and film making that everyone can learn something from.
UP as a Golden Fleece Buddy Movie
The Golden Fleece covers films where our hero goes on a journey seeking something. Along the way he learns life lessons and grows as a person. Normally the hero starts by seeking one, normally false, prize but ends finding another true, prize along the way.
The Buddy fleece is where our hero is helped along the way by a group of (normally oddball), friends. UP fills the bill perfectly as our hero is helped by a colourful cast of characters, all who have their flaws, but who succeed by working together.
Time Line
Opening Image – The ‘Lost world of South America’
Theme Stated – Our theme revolves around the idea that ‘Adventure is out there’. Adventure is out there but it is also right on your doorstep and it is important not become obsessed with one goal.
Set-Up – The life of Ellie and Carl, we see how they meet, fall in love and what happens up to her death.
Catalyst – Carl hits the workman at minute 17.
Debate – Carl asks “What do I do now Ellie”.
B Story – Carl finds Russell on the porch, which starts the ‘Love Story’
Break into Two – Carl floats the house to South America and on minute 26 we emerge from the clouds in the new world.
Fun and Games – We meet new characters such as Kevin the bird and Doug. Russell and Carl explore the forest and Carl reveals there is enough helium to last fro three days (time clock).
This is a good example of fun and games as the characters literally play games. Kevin plays hide and seek and imitates, Doug chases after the ball and tries to capture Kevin.
Midpoint – Carl and Russell talk and our story takes a more serious turn as we learn about Russell’s circumstances. It is also raining and dark.
Bad Guys Close In – The dogs appear and take the group hostage. We meet Muntz and learn he has not given up on his obsession to find the bird.
All is Lost – Muntz takes Kevin at minute 63. There is a great whiff of death here as well as Doug makes the joke about the squirrel.
Dark Night of the Soul – Carl gets angry and walks alone to the falls. Sitting in his chair in the grey palette house he realises it's not quite what he imagined. He recovers when he reads Ellie’s adventure book.
Break into Three –Carl, having learned it's all about the journey and that family can be the greatest adventure, sets out to save Kevin and Russell.
Finale – Carl throws everything out of the house and flies off to save the day. Doug and Russell win their individual battles. Carl beats Muntz (ironically with Carl’s burden) and house disappears. The final remnants of his obsession have been overcome.
Final image – the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ at home and the house on the cliff.
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