Pixar: Steve Jobs' Animated Treasure

This week marked the sudden death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. We all know his inventions changed the world (for more on my thoughts about Jobs, check out my article for Quinnipiac University’s independent newspaper The Quad News), but there’s also another side to Jobs’ accomplishments -- a cinematic side.

In 1986, Jobs took over a new film studio that eventually became Pixar, one of the most well respected and lucrative film studios of all time. So, in honor of Mr. Jobs, it is my privilage to present my take on some of the Pixar films in this week's Body Of Work. 

Toy Story 1, 2 & 3 (1995, 1999 & 2010): The one that started it all and the one to which every animated film is now compared to.

“Toy Story,” executive produced by Jobs and directed by John Lasseter, burst onto the scene in 1995 and was the first fully computer animated feature film. The initial concept, of what happens to your toys when you turn out the lights or leave the room, was inventive; but it was the surprisingly smart and emotionally mature writing that made the first “Toy Story” a success.

Two more films about cowboy Woody and somewhat out-of-touch spaceman Buzz Lightyear came out in 1999 and 2010. But while the second installment lagged a bit, the third became the highest grossing of the series and also the most rewarding.

Director Lee Unkrich wisely decided to set the first about 10 years after the first two, meaning that, like those who were kids when they saw “Toy Story," the toy’s owner Andy is also grown up. The heart of the story, about the journey from adult to child, is so touching and loving rendered. It resonated so much in many young adults like myself, and I’m not too proud to admit, I found myself more than a little teary at the film's touching conclusion. 

Day & Night & Partly Cloudy (2009 & 2010): Before all Pixar movies, a short is usually played.

Although there are many great ones, including “Gerri’s Game” and “Boundin’,” my favorite is a tie between “Day & Night” and “Partly Cloudy,” two shorts that exemplify what Pixar does best.

“Partly Cloudy,” about the friendship between a baby-bringing stork and a cloud, and “Day & Night,” a comedic parable about conflicts between the personification of daytime and nighttime, are both visually beautiful and brimming with warmth and humor. But they also display a level of skill in their storytelling that is unmatched by other modern animated films.

Both are basically dialogue-free and rely, silent movie style, on facial expression, movement and sound effects to tell a story. Give them a watch; they are good, old-fashioned wholesome fun that are crazily entertaining and masterfully made. 

Ratatouille (2007): Possibly the most under-rated and overlooked of the Pixar catalogue.

“Ratatouille” follows Remy, a french rat with a nose for fine food. But, of course, who would let a rat in the kitchen? So Remy sneaks into the kitchen of a famous restaurant on top of the head of Alfredo Linguini, a clumsy new cook.

With Remy’s refined palate and Linguini’s access to the best kitchen in Paris, the two quickly rise to culinary fame. But an evil plot from the restaurant owner might just send Remy scuttering back to the sewers. Delightful and fun, and brimming with an undeniable charm and warmth reminiscent of an old black and white caper, “Ratatouille” is a treat for all your senses.

WALL-E (2008): You know how I’ve mentioned that the Pixar shorts feel like a silent movie? Well, “WALL-E” takes that concept and pushes it into the 21st century.

It tells the story of a trash removal robot that roams a barren and befouled planet Earth. While on the outside Wall-E seems like a hunk of metal with a strange, binocular-shaped face, he has the soul of a romantic and has learned the ways of love through watching old movie musicals. His affections turn to E.V.E., a polished, white robot, who looks like an Apple iRobot, if they ever made such a thing.

"WALL-E" is a beautiful, picturesque film that, like I said earlier, despite the futuristic setting, harkens back to old silent film romances. With only bleeps and whirrs, an everlasting love story emerges that is both magical and heartwarming and totally futuristic.

Sure, the second half is no where near as captivating as the first, and the “An Inconvenient Truth For Kids” feel gets pushed a bit far, but “WALL-E” is a great film with a timeless feel.

Up (2009): First off, the beautiful and heartbreaking opening sequence is one of my favorite movie scenes, period.

It tracks the courtship and marriage of Carl and Elle, a working class couple who never got to go on the adventures they thought they would. Life happens, as the saying goes, and Ellie dies before they could follow their dream of traveling the world. By this point, Carl is a stocky, crotchety old man who lives alone in a colorful, two story house.

After his and Ellie’s beloved home is in fear of being demolished, Carl attaches balloons to it and floats it all the way to South America. There, he and a young boy scout Russell (who went to ring the door just as the house took off) go on an epic adventure that includes a strange, gawky bird, talking dogs and a sinister explorer.

The plot may get a bit farfetched at times, but the detail and clarity in the animation are so beautifully done (look at Carl’s spotty hands and the tennis balls at the bottom of his walker) and the emotional core is so strong (I love the visual metaphor of physically carrying his house wherever he goes) you just get swept along on the ride of your life.

Note: "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles" fell just a bit short of this list, but are nevertheless masterful, fun entries in the Pixar catalogue.