Pixar’s animated movie WALL-E held a rather consistent and nicely implemented underlying commentary on how humans tend to put their trust in the wrong places too easily. This is a broad statement, of course, but to be more specific; WALL-E shows how Americans’ love of Capitalism and big corporations has ultimately led to them being completely blind to what is actually happen in the world that is right in front of them.
To convey such a dim and unattractive message while maintaining a light-hearted plot line for the sake of not ostracizing Disney/Pixar’s target demographic, the animators must use mise en scene to their advantage. There are many uses of color, lighting, costumes, etc. The writers also managed to put in an incredible amount of allusions to other genre specific films that help the audience sub-consciously place themselves in the right mind set for the film they are about to watch.
For instance, the musical composition at times is strangely reminiscent of Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This lends to the idea that few (WALL-E, EVE, and Captain McCree) will stand against many (AUTO, Buy 'n' Large, and Every robot on the Axiom) in their quest to fight for freedom of knowledge and a place to belong were they are under their own control, not technology’s. The aforementioned concepts can both be applied to Star Wars and Indiana Jones. There are many other allusions to movies like Alien, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Hello Dolly, and the actor’s previous projects in the movie that all hold importance in setting the audience into a place were they can know what they are in for without ruining what is about to actually happen in the movie at all.
Going much deeper into Mise en scene of WALL-E, the usage of lighting in the movie is a subtle comment on how the humans around WALL-E are being affected by their life under the control of their technology and the corporation that made it. For example, on earth, every hint of light is greatly diffused by smog. Visibility is outrageously low. In the immediate context of the movie, all this does is help convey to the audience that Earth is in shambles and is nothing more than a planetary trash heap. However, when the movie goes on, you become aware that the Fumarole Smog actually represents how the human race is in denial about the dire environmental state of our planet. This is a simple yet functional tactic. Later on, on the Axiom, lighting becomes futuristic and harsh. The glitter of the lighting is distracting to the characters for it is something not seen before. Does that not sound like how a lot of technology holds empty promises? Well it does. Look into it a tad and you will notice how no human actually moves until the resolution. This is a commentary on how the over usage of technology can lead to completely sedentary lifestyles the will lead to our demise. At the same time, it comments on how our lack of political or diplomatic action in the way of facing Earth’s real issues prevents science from learning more about what to do about the problem. All of this is established by relating on screen actions to the harsh lighting that would blind you if you were to look directly at its source. Get it?
Most importantly when discussing the idea of how “Americans’ love of Capitalism and big corporations has ultimately led to them being completely blind to what is actually happen in the world that is right in front of them” is color. The colors Blue and Red are vital when understanding the situational awareness of the fat-ass humans on the ship. Initially, all of the human switch their suits from Red to Blue when told to by the Buy ’n’ Large Corporation Signs (this is the source of the initial oppression). This change from Red to Blue suits signifies the loss of their active thought process in questioning the capitalistic motives, environmental motives, political motives, etc. They are now completely controlled by their Buy ‘n’ Large based technology. They cannot be active in saving themselves. However, our little hero WALL-E comes along and innocently breaks the connection the humans have with their hologram communication screens. Whenever this happens, their suits turn back to Red. They always are surprised to see what is around them. For instance, the reoccurring line “I didn’t know we had a pool!” is a result of this sudden realization and obtainment of awareness, active thought process, and democratically and morally motivated activism.
WALL-E is filled with small bits of Mise en scene that contribute to an all-encompassing message. This can be accomplished in more interesting ways because it is an animated feature. The animators literally create the world from ground up, so everything is relevant.
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Sam,
Some really clear statements in here and original observations - great. Some critical feedback to help you push toward a stronger post (and ultimately, a strong final essay). Work on crafting a strong thesis statement -- remember, you are presenting an argument, something you are going to prove through example. State it right at the outset. A little introductory remark, to contextualize, is fine, but get to your argument quickly. Make it concise. The key is to think it through before you write. In the broadest sense, you as the writer are presenting a way of looking at this film that's unique, that's yours. To do that, you need to do the work of synthesizing your own observations into ONE, CLEAR insight. Avoid overloading the paper with too many examples and loose (sometimes rambling) prose. Stick to your argument.
Email or catch me after class if any of this is unclear.
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