FILM CHALLENGE: 151) Wall-E

151) Wall-E

Director: Andrew Stanton

Year: 2008

Plot Summary: In a distant, but not so unrealistic future, where mankind has abandoned earth because it has become covered with trash from products sold by the powerful multi-national Buy N Large corporation, WALL-E, a garbage collecting robot, has been left to clean up the mess. Soon, with the arrival of EVE, he will find a new purpose in life that will take him on a journey he could never expect.

The best animated film of the noughties, Wall-E is a kids film like no other.

In fact, the words 'kids film' feel criminal when discussing Pixar's 2008 release. After all, while there is plenty of action, humour and stunning visuals, Wall-E also touches on some very important contemporary issues such as environmentalism and consumerism. Moreover, it draws a lot of parallels between the fictional world of the movie and the current state of western society, warning us of the dangers that could arise if we allow one organisation to govern the world as an autocratic force. The Buy 'N' Large company, for example, is very reminiscent of a company like Halliburton.

Having such strong political undertones in a kids film are interesting, but the most fascinating aspect is how that they bravely attempt to create a narrative with very little dialogue. For the first 40 minutes of the movie, for example, no more than 3 words are spoken. This is a challenge that, from my own recollection, no other studio making children's movies has ever risen up to. However, the geniuses at Pixar make it look easy allowing their intricate sound design and animation provide all the storytelling and exposition while keeping you entertained and engrossed. Like the classic work of Charlie Chaplin, Wall-E proves that a film can be both funny and touching without a single sentence being uttered.

The aforementioned animation is among their most accomplished yet. Not only does it look more realistic than any other kids film around but - with the help of visual consultant Roger Deakins - it's also breathtakingly gorgeous. The scenes of Wall-E is space are possibly the most awesome in animated cinema while the contrasts between the slick, glitzy Atrium and the waste-dump that the Earth has become are powerful.

A little slice of magic from Pixar, Wall-E is a visual poem about the little things beauty of the world that will leave even the most cynical of souls uplifted. And aside from its politics and bravura storytelling, this tale of a little robot is an old-fashioned love story that will continue to inspire viewers for years to come.

5/5

By Daniel Sarath with 1 comment