Dir – Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich (co-director)
Year – 2000
Running Time – 100 Mins
Screen Writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Buddy)
The Film
Finding Nemo marks the moment that animated films managed to cross the divide and show that just because something is animated it can still be taken seriously as a film. The cute aesthetics mask what is actually a pretty horrific and mature story line. If the story of a man’s family being slaughtered then his only remaining son being kidnapped, imprisoned and then given away as a slave was presented with real people it would make for a harrowing movie.
What’s in a Name?
Finding Nemo is a great name for the film. It not only plays on the name of Captain Nemo but sets the tone of the film well and we know pretty much what we are in for. The title is also memorable which has helped keep the film in peoples minds to this day.
What makes it Great?
The mature storyline and stunning visuals are backed up by an exceptional script and it is this which really makes the film a classic. The dialogue between all the main characters portrays a subtlety and sensitivity that is hard to find. This all helps the characters become memorable and shows that even when your leading protagonists are small fish they can still fill a screen.
The score and framing of the scenes is also exceptional and portrays the feeling of two small fish alone in a very big ocean to perfection. It all comes together to portray a living breathing underwater world.
Finding Nemo as a ‘Golden Fleece Buddy’ Movie.
Finding Nemo is a fairly straightforward Golden Fleece movie. Our main character is Marlin, he is searching for his son (who is the fleece), and on the way he will meet Dory (the Buddy), along with others. These friends will help him to learn lessons that will change him for the better by the end of the film.
Opening Image (1) – We start with Marlin and Coral moving into the neighbourhood with their kids.
We have the ‘kill the cat’ moment when Marlin finds the one remaining egg and we side with him due to his commitment and horrific loss.
Theme stated (5) – The theme comes on 4 minutes and revolves around the line “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you”. Out theme is about knowing when to let go and it is this Marlin will discuss and consider as he searches for Nemo.
Catalyst (12) – Around minute 12 the boat comes into play and Nemo and his friends start seeing how close they can get. Nemo then swims out to sea and gets captured after discussing the theme again with Marlin.
Debate (12-25) – The debate comes mainly with him asking other fish for directions so he can find the ‘right way to go’. He also finds Dory here and discusses what he is looking for. This also starts the running gag about Dory and her bad memory.
Break into two (25) – You can argue where the break into two comes. It is either at minute 15 when Marlon leaves the reef to go into the ocean or, I would suggest, at minute 19 when Bruce the shark takes Marlin and Dory through the mine field as we are now in a more dangerous world.
B Story (30) – At minute 24 Nemo is put in the fish tank the ‘rites of passage’ B story begins.
Fun and Games (30-55) – So now we get the promise of the premise as we have our two little fish fighting through the ocean in comedic Buddy movie style and Nemo and his rag tag gang of fish trying to break out of the tank. Darla is introduced and acts as the ‘time clock’ as we now know Nemo must be found or escape within a few days.
Midpoint (55) – Dory is hurt by the jelly fish. Now the fun and games are over, Dory being hurt acts as a very short ‘bump in the road’ and we get a new thing added at minute 49 with the introduction of the turtles.
There is more theme discussion at minute 52 between Marlin and Crush.
Bad Guys Close In (55-75) – Nemo’s escape attempt fails and Darlo draws ever closer. Marlin and dory are trapped in a whale.
Inside the whale there is more discussion of the theme between Marlin and Dory with Marlin eventually trusting her. With the acceptance of the words “It’s time to let go” Marlin is ready to continue with his adventure.
Nigel acts as our booster rocket when he meets Marlin.
All is Lost (75) – The all is lost moment comes on minute 76 when Marlin thinks Nemo is dead.
Dark night of the Soul (75-85) – Marlon mourns Nemo and decides to split from Dory.
Break into Three (85) – Marlon enters the fishing ground.
Finale (85-110) – The finale is the tuna fish net. Here Marlin has faith in Nemo and Nemo uses the knowledge he has learned to save the day in a wonderful piece of A/B story synergy.
Final image (110) – We are back at school with Marlin a now much transformed character. We end on the image of an open ocean for to be explored. This is the opposite of the confided reef we started with.
Showing posts with label Pixar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pixar. Show all posts
Friday, 8 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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