Exploring Innovation and Influences of Inside Out
Inside out: One of the main reasons I chose to write about Inside Out is because of it’s creative depiction of human emotion. Inside Out resonated with many people due to its exploration of complex emotional themes and its ability to capture the intricacies of human emotion in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Describe the film:
-Synopsis:
Inside Out is a 2015 Disney-Pixar animated movie that explores the emotions of an 11-year-old girl named Riley Andersen. The movie is set in the mind of Riley and features her five core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. The emotions are personified and live in Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s mind.
The movie follows the emotions as they try to navigate the challenges of Riley’s life, which includes moving from Minnesota to San Francisco. Joy, who is the primary emotion, tries to keep things positive and upbeat, while Sadness, who is usually overlooked, starts to play a more significant role in Riley’s emotions.
As Joy and Sadness try to find their way back to Headquarters after getting lost in Riley’s long-term memory, they encounter various aspects of Riley’s personality, such as her imaginary friend Bing Bong and her core memories. Along the way, they learn about the importance of all emotions, even the ones that are difficult to experience, and how they all play a role in shaping who Riley is.
The movie ultimately shows that it’s okay to feel sad or angry sometimes and that these emotions can lead to personal growth and resilience. It also emphasizes the importance of having a support system and communicating one’s emotions to others. Altogether, Inside Out is a heartwarming and insightful movie that appeals to both children and adults.
Contextualize the film:
Film background
- Director
- Inside Out was produced by Pixar Animation Studios and was released by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The movie was directed by Pete Docter, who also co-wrote the screenplay along with Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley. The film was produced by Jonas Rivera, who had previously worked on other Pixar films such as Up and Monsters, Inc. Inside Out was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, which it won.
- Cast
- The voice cast of Inside Out includes:
- Amy Poehler as Joy, the emotion that represents happiness and optimism
- Phyllis Smith as Sadness, the emotion that represents sadness and melancholy
- Bill Hader as Fear, the emotion that represents anxiety and fearfulness
- Lewis Black as Anger, the emotion that represents anger and frustration
- Mindy Kaling as Disgust, the emotion that represents disgust and cynicism
- Richard Kind as Bing Bong, Riley’s imaginary friend
- Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan as Riley’s parents
- Kaitlyn Dias as Riley, the 11-year-old girl whose mind the story takes place in
Animation
-“Animation of Inside Out took a year and a half. About 48 animators (including supervisors Shawn Krause and Victor Navone, and director Jamie Roe), and 350 artists (35 of them lighting–led by cinematographer Kim White–and 10 layout) and technicians were involved in the production of the film. Two other animation teams were also produced: one was separate for abstract sequence and another was crowded for the character process.The team utilized unique technology to locate every part of the human body.” wikipedia
Analyze the film (highlight its relationship to the works/concepts we covered this semester.) This is where I want to hear YOUR thoughts on the piece:
How YOU feel it relates to the history of animation:
-Inside Out is a groundbreaking film that reflects the history of animation in a number of ways. The film is notable for its use of advanced computer animation technology to create a vivid and immersive world of emotions and memories. This represents a continuation of the long tradition of technological innovation in animation, which has been a hallmark of the medium since its earliest days.
-Winsor McCay? (week 3)
How is it visually distinct/similar to what came before it?
-Toy Story (Week 12)
-Iron Giant
-Spirited Away (? Week 13)
-Eggleston (Toy Story 3/ Up)
What are it’s influences outside of animation (painting, comics, live-action film etc.)
- Comics and Graphic Novels
- Live-Action Film
Which works from previous eras/cultures seem to have influenced the work (technically, aesthetically, narratively, politically etc.)?
-Inside Out is a highly original and innovative film that draws on a wide range of influences from previous eras and cultures. Its unique blend of surrealism and animation technology has helped make it one of the most acclaimed and beloved animated films of recent years.
-Reference:
-Surrealism and Dadaism
-Japanese Animation
How does it depart from its influences?
What is the filmmaker trying to express/convey?
Is it innovative (technically, aesthetically, narratively)?
-Technically:
-Aesthetically:
-Narratively:
Is it representative of the place and time it was created in (or is it trying to )?
-Yes, Inside Out is representative of the place and time it was created in, as it reflects the cultural and social context of contemporary America and the larger global context of the early 21st century.
-Mental health/psychology
-Chellenges of youth and growing up
Do you think the filmmaker could have made different choices that would have led to a stronger piece? (briefly cover opinion on different choices?)
-Creative process is personal, although Disney/Pixar has historically played to adult humor, creating fun films for people of all ages. I felt this film missed the mark here.
Quote from at least two of the assigned readings to support your analysis.
REFERENCES:
Specific Parts of the Film to Explore:
-1st sequence with turning wheels
-The first sequence of Inside Out with the turning wheels is the film’s opening credits, which serves as an introduction to the film’s central concept and sets the stage for the story that follows.
-The sequences are created using a technique called “unlit textures,” which involves rendering objects without any lighting or shadows, creating a flat, graphic look. The neon lights are then added in post-production to create a vivid and striking visual effect.
The use of unlit textures and neon lights creates a dreamlike, otherworldly quality that is both visually captivating and thematically resonant. The sequences are a striking example of how animation can be used to create unique and innovative visual styles that enhance the emotional impact of a story.
-Absolute film
-Disney /Pixar early influences
-Going through 3 phases of shapeshifting (finding train of thought)
– dada influence?
-The Shape Shifting sequence in Inside Out is a scene where one of the main characters, Bing Bong, manipulates his shape and form to help Joy and Sadness navigate through the maze-like landscape of Riley’s subconscious.
– fantasia?
- Subconscious sequence
- End core memory sequence
- The Core Memory sequence in Inside Out is a pivotal moment in the movie where the main character, Riley, experiences a traumatic event that leads to the loss of one of her core memories. The sequence is notable for its visual style, which combines elements of traditional animation with abstract and surreal imagery, creating a dreamlike and emotionally charged atmosphere.
Inside Out Influenced by Previous Films
-Like many films, Inside Out was influenced by previous animated movies, both in terms of storytelling and visual style.
Musical Score
-“Michael Giacchino served as composer for Inside Out.[66] He began planning in January 2015,[67] before concluding that May.[20] While in the music session, Docter felt its score “bittersweet” and “nostalgic” after he “grew up playing the violin and bass”.[34] Giacchino wanted to create something more emotionally monumental for Inside Out’s score, when compared to his score from Up.” Wikipedia
