Pixars Up to Provide 3D Relish
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Disney-Pixar's latest feature animation ``Up'' marks many firsts: the first animation to open the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, it is also the company's first 3D digital project, and also the first time a senior citizen plays the hero.
``It was quite the honor for us to open a very respected and traditional film festival. It meant that (the festival) was honoring the story that comes out of Pixar. It almost feels like we've been accepted to the grown-up table ― all our filmmakers are parents but we're really just big kids,'' Ronnie del Carmen, story supervisor of ``Up,'' told The Korea Times. The 49-year-old was in town to promote the franchise before its release July 30.
``It's quite daring to feature a 78-year-old man ― it's not the most immediate thing people think of for summer releases. He's not the obvious hero, but that's why people enjoy it, because it defies expectations,'' he said.
``Up'' is about how growing pains can hit at any point in life: a grumpy widower Carl embarks on a journey to fulfill the lifelong dream he had shared with his late wife. But this retired balloon salesman doesn't need to pack for the trip to South America, because he literally takes off with his entire house underneath thousands of helium balloons. An unlikely sidekick ― a little boy named Russell who wants to earn a badge for his wilderness scout club by aiding a senior citizen ― accompanies Carl. The protagonist is forced to accept this as part of the voyage, but will he allow him to transform the greater adventure called life?
``His greatest adventure is still ahead of him and the thing is, he didn't know,'' said del Carmen. ``There's a lot that old people can teach the young, but there's a lot that the young can teach the old,'' he said. The film delves into themes of friendship or what Koreans could easily recognize as ``jeong'' ― fellow feeling or compassionate love that connects people together.
Del Carmen's job was to convey the central idea and emotion and to dramatize the original story by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson.
``When I give story seminars, I encourage people to tell their own story rather than mimic others' story. If it's authentic then people respond to that truth,'' he said. This applies to the most outlandish cartoon ideas like a house becoming airborne with helium balloons. ``But if the audience is ready to believe, if they're emotionally involved, then anything can happen.''
``Up'' heightens the audiovisual experience with a technology called Depth Budget for rendering 3D digital imagery. But the story comes first and foremost, emphasized del Carmen. ``We definitely take advantage of what 3D can deliver, like airplanes flying and rocks falling down toward you. But it adds a certain layer of concern ― sometimes 3D can be dangerous because the spectacle of it kicks you out of the story,'' he said. Future Disney-Pixar projects will most likely have 3D versions, but it is simply a means and not an end.
``What we aim for is to tell an emotional and human story, an involving human story. I've seen Korean movies, and they have very powerful storytelling and characters,'' he said, mentioning Bong Joon-ho's monster blockbuster ``The Host'' and Kim Jee-woon's ``A Tale of Two Sisters,'' which is based on a traditional folk story. They were both introduced to him by Korean-American Pixar animator Peter Sohn, who inspired the character of Russell.
The Filipino native felt proud to see an Asian character in a franchise that is not ethnicity-specific like ``Mulan,'' which is based on a traditional Chinese tale. Russell was modeled after Sohn and a curious and energetic Asian boy who lived around the neighborhood.
``My kids were watching the movie and they sat up and really paid attention because they were being represented onscreen. It's something that validates you as a kid,'' he said. ``Yes, we're beginning to see Asian faces in Hollywood roles that aren't necessarily for Asians, and it's nice to see that in animation as well,'' he said.
``We're excited that `Up' is showing in Korea, because Russell originally had a Korean last name, Kim, when we were drawing up characters,'' he said. For the Korean audience, a dubbed version featuring the voice of veteran actor Lee Soon-jae will be available alongside the original English. ``It was an honor to be sitting next to (Lee),'' said del Carmen, adding that the actor and character looked alike.
``Our films affect the entire spectrum of families, and I hope grandpas and grandmas in particular will come see `Up.'''
Next summer, fans can look forward to ``Toy Story 3.''
``I've seen it and it is amazing. I mean it when I say you're in for the ride of your life,'' he said.
In theaters July 30. All ages admitted. Distributed by Sony Pictures Buena Vista Korea.