Genre Gems: WALL-E

Now most of you reading this will have figured that WALL-E is my obvious genre gem for animation. This is not so, for though it is certainly a massively impressive piece of animation it is not why I chose it for review. To fit review as a genre gem the chosen film must stand as an excellent film in its class but it must also be under appreciated in some way. WALL-E has won countless awards including the Oscar for its animation and station as a family film, but not often does it receive recognition for what it is behind the animated and family friendly exterior. WALL-E is quite likely my all time favorite romantic film. And yes I am being quite serious. No film for me better captures the heart of a romance story with so few of the draw backs that endlessly crop up in romantic films of every age. This for the simple reason that though both WALL-E and EVE are imperfect characters, with distinguishable flaws with which we can relate as an audience, they are in almost in all ways perfect with each other. By simplifying the characters emotions, motivations and interactions we get a much more honest, open and heartfelt interaction.

Now I will imagine many of you reading are at this point raising both eyebrows and wandering if not what I smoked, at least where you can get some. However I point to the often and overwhelming flaw in romantic films. Films are defined by conflict; be it with an opposing force, an angry boss, a bad set of choices, or mental debilitation. Films who focus on romance will almost without fail make a romantic incident the central conflict of their story. These however leads to a problem, for such conflict to exist one of the characters for whom we are supposed to care has to make some kind of dick move. Be it angrily walking away from your partner over a misunderstanding, having a one night stand as some form of revenge, hiding your feelings due to social pressure or deciding that something else is more important. This act has to be obvious enough that the audience understands immediately that this is a mistake and the rest of the film centers on resolving the conflict. Andrew Stanton (director and writer) does not ignore this concept but chooses to make it a much less a central focus of the film. EVE upon realizing that she did not treat WALL-E as she should have immediately moves to make amends and expresses emotional commitment in response to WALL-E’s own. Notice that I have not mentioned love specifically for also unlike most romantic films we see only the beginning phases of WALL-E’s and EVE’s relationship rather than its entire scope. WALL-E does not win the girl entire, WALL-E wins his chance and the beginnings of her affection only after the movie shows that he is truly worthy of them and the films closes with the beginning of the rest of their lives.

WALL-E is however much more than a simple romance and is if nothing else an adventure. Pixar brought its best game to the table for this and in working with experts from every field made a true master piece. The characters are individual, interesting and often hilarious. The humor often falls between an amused chuckle and full out laughter which is nice to see as it hints at the more subtle writing at play. In three things particularly does WALL-E excel outside of its romantics.  Firstly it has a roster of robot characters who are likely the cutest characters designed since Winnie the Pooh and WALL-E alone almost steals the entirety of the movie with his almost silent 20 minute introduction. It secondly has a wonderful understanding of its animation which leads to a truly amazing blend of colors and textures which make for an awe inspiring realism channeled through a child’s world. And lastly they have created a wonderful chemistry between WALL-E and EVE which becomes the heart of the entire film and serves as a truly emotionally evocative piece of cinema for adults and children alike.

I admit freely that romantic films are not my usual choice and that as a general I dislike many for their choice of conflict and lack of characters and choices I find remotely human. In simplifying a love story so as to be understood by children of all ages, Pixar has made a love story which we all truly hope to live ourselves. That if you are a small and lonely but good hearted person (robot) there is always that chance that you will meet the one who is right for you and with effort, dedication, and heart you can win her affections and earn the chance to live happily ever after. All the romance with none of the romantic drama. This when combined with a truly wonderful set of characters, as well as some truly amazing animation is why I find a little love to name WALL-E my romantic genre gem.

Cutest in robotics written in red.