“Tplay with fire! », “Not all aquatics are the same! », “You’re sexy, it’s crazy! », «Go and spread out elsewhere!» » We stop here the list of puns around the lexical fields of conflagration and water.There are so many in there Elementary that we immediately stopped counting them.
The new cartoon from Pixar studios, presented as a preview at the close of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, and which will be released in theaters on June 21st, presents, in line with Vice versathe meeting between fire and water in a scenario of acceptance of differences. in Element City, the four elements – fire, water, earth and air – live in perfect harmony. Well, except the creatures born of fire, considered dangerous by others and relegated to the outskirts.
This is where flam lives, an intrepid, lively and strong-character young woman, with her parents who run the Foyer, a neighborhood grocery store that has become an institution. While trying to learn to tame a fiery temper to take the baton after his father, Flam meets flack Delamare, an “aquatic” boy, sentimental, funny despite himself, quite a follower at heart, from the exclusive neighborhoods of Element. City. Naturally, the friendship between these two will quickly test the limits of the world they live in and push the boundaries of tolerance.
Romantic comedy
After some arduous years for Pixar (the flop of Buzz Lightyear in 2022, and the release on platforms of Magnifico Soul due to the closure of theaters in the midst of Covid), the studio returns here at its best with this love story, so personal and so global, inspired by the meeting of the film’s director, Peter Sohn (Arlo’s journey2015), with his wife.“I’m Korean; she is American, half Italian. I initially hid this relationship from my parents because, according to tradition, they wanted me to marry a Korean woman. My grandmother’s last words were literally: “Marry a Korean!” My father and mother emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s, so I was born and raised with Korean traditions, language and culture in the very American city of New York. This gave rise to cultural clashes between the first and second generations. I took for granted the trials and tribulations they faced.»
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Culture shock, conflict between generations, transmission… To make the discussion on these thorny issues realistic, Peter sohn not onyl appealed to his personal history, but also to that of a hundred of Pixar colleagues, immigrants for the first or second time. second generation,who came together to talk about their past,their experiences. The result on screen is funny and touching, halfway between a family saga and a romantic comedy, and accompanied by Thomas newman’s formidable soundtrack (Finding Dory, OO7: Skyfall…).
But above all it is a further step forward for the studio purchased in 2006 by Disney, which once again innovates with a revolutionary process that allows the characters to be constantly animated. Flam and its congeners are therefore flames, in constant movement, and it is sublime to watch.The graphic skill is also applied to the furnishings of Element City, an architectural folly, a megalopolis with an archi-futuristic appearance, where there are pools of water, fountains and lush vegetation. Fans of the original version prefer the French version this time. vincent Lacoste is amazing while the naive, whiny and funny Flack and Adèle Exarchopoulos offer surprising variations in her voice to go from tired to warmed up. Famous for his masterpieces such as History of the toy OR Finding NemoPixar has never placed love so much at the center of one of its plots. The two robots of Wall-E they had a small crush, but nothing like the sparks caused by the relationship between Flack and Flam, who at first don’t dare touch each other. What happens to water when it comes into contact with flame? And the fire drowned in tears? Reply now in the room.
What themes does Pixar explore in the movie *Elemental* through its characters and setting?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor (TNE) and Animation Expert (AE)
TNE: Welcome, everyone, to our special segment where we delve into the engaging world of animation and storytelling. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with animation expert Dr. Emily Rivers, who has extensively researched the thematic innovations in contemporary animated films. We’re here to discuss Pixar’s upcoming release, Elemental, which explores the captivating interplay between fire and water. Welcome, Dr.rivers!
AE: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss Elemental—there’s so much to unpack.
TNE: The film was presented as a preview at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, which is quite an honor. It seems like Pixar is continuing its tradition of using elemental themes to explore deeper societal issues. What are your thoughts on this?
AE: Absolutely! Pixar has always used animation as a medium to tackle complex themes,and elemental appears to be a continuation of that legacy.By representing the four elements—fire, water, earth, and air—Pixar is setting up a rich metaphor for societal differences and harmony.This film seems to encourage audiences to accept and appreciate diversity, much like they did with Vice Versa.
TNE: I love the connection to Vice Versa! The way you mention harmony is essential. How crucial do you think the element of humor is, especially with the clever puns in the promotional material, such as “Play with fire!” and “Not all aquatics are the same!”?
AE: Humor plays a key role in animation, especially for family movies. These puns serve not just as comedic relief but also as a way to engage audiences and make complex themes more approachable. They create a playful atmosphere that invites viewers to reflect on more serious messages without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a classic Pixar strategy!
TNE: Very true! Now, the film is set in Element City, where these elemental beings coexist.Can you elaborate on how this setting might influence character dynamics?
AE: Element City will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the characters’ relationships. Each element embodies distinct traits that will influence their interactions and experiences. Fire may represent passion and spontaneity, while water might symbolize adaptability and fluidity. The tension and comedy arising from these opposing characteristics can highlight the importance of understanding and respecting differences, which is a vital lesson within our increasingly diverse societies.
TNE: So, the metaphor extends beyond just the elemental beings.It reflects our world too! As we approach the film’s release date, what do you think audiences will take away from it?
AE: I believe audiences will walk away with a renewed recognition for diversity and the understanding that diffrent perspectives can coexist harmoniously. In a world that frequently enough feels polarized, Elemental has the potential to resonate deeply with viewers of all ages, encouraging them to embrace their differences and recognize the beauty in them.
TNE: That sounds inspiring! as we wrap up,what are you moast looking forward to seeing in Elemental?
AE: I am particularly excited to see how Pixar creatively depicts the interactions between the elements. The animation should be stunning, and I am eager to see how the filmmakers visualize the fluidity of water meeting the intensity of fire. It’s a thrilling artistic challenge that could lead to some breathtaking visuals and meaningful storytelling.
TNE: Thank you,Dr. Rivers, for sharing your insights with us today! It sounds like Elemental is another masterpiece in the making that we should all look forward to.
AE: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.
TNE: And to our viewers, don’t miss Elemental, hitting theaters on June 21st. Join us next time for more engaging discussions on the latest in arts and culture!