The plans for Pixar in this 2023 are smaller than in other years, because the biggest bet is on the feature film of Elemental directed by Peter Sohn (produced by Denise Ream), a story in the style of Romeo and Juliet about two characters who meet and decide to love each other in the face of impossible circumstances.
But Elemental not only is it a Pixar romcom, it also points towards various stories linked to the phenomenon of migration through an ideal city that brings together the four great communities of this world: water, earth, fire and air. HERE we leave you a preview.
Elemental is a movie that it could be difficult to follow considering that it has several points of development (which, in turn, serves to connect with different people), but if we have to highlight something, it is the great work in animation (something that Pixar has us used to, actually). So We chatted with Sohn and Ream about this film and the original ideas in its story.
Elemental
Elemental follow the story of the Lumen family, who belong to the Fire Nation. The parents of Ember, the protagonist, decide to leave her community to go in search of better opportunities for her.thus arriving at the city of Elemental where all the elements (fire, water, earth and air) coexist in harmony.
Los Lumen they open a store that becomes the future of Ember, who in turn dreams of being able to make her grow up in the same way as her father. But an accident, related to the presence of a guy named Wade (of water), changes all of Ember’s plans just to discover that she wants to fulfill herself elsewhere.
Elementary is a story of self discoveryand how when we find ourselves (our dreams and goals), is that we can find someone else with whom to share those aspirations.
Elemental is a story that unites communities
Sopitas.com: There are many stories in Elemental. Hay a migration story, about the complex relationship between a father and his daughter, the message of following your dreams, even a Romeo and Juliet type drama. How did the story of your original idea evolve? Was there only one story at the beginning and were the others gradually included?
Peter son: I would say that more than a story, there was a heart at the beginning. The heart of the movie actually started when I had this moment with my parents in New York where I was able to thank them in front of a lot of people (it was very emotional, I started crying) and I said that if it weren’t for them, my brother and I wouldn’t have a life here. And it is because they came from another place without money, without language, without anything. And it’s amazing. That gratitude is the heart of the film.
So that was the first piece that started the journey. But I had ideas for these characters when I was a kid, only somehow that idea came together with that about, “Oh, my parents are immigrants and the items look like they are from different parts of the world. Maybe there’s a connection.”
From there, it was trying… When I was drawing there was some tension between a fire character and a water character, which I also personally connected with. But those were the ingredients that started it all and it worked very well from the start.
Connection to one of the many Elemental stories
Sopitas.com: Yes, what you mention is very interesting because considering that there are many stories, I think the audience is relatable from many sides. Personally, I connected with the idea of how parents make sacrifices for their children to prevent them from doing so, so that they can choose freely. I think that’s beautiful. What is the story with which you connected the most?
Denise Ream: I completely agree with you. That was what I connected with. And going through the whole process of the story with Peter, I had a whole new appreciation for how hard my father worked, and I basically feel… I am so lucky to do something I love and that was because of the sacrifices he made for me. So I’m with you.
I’m interested in the history of migration of the United States, is something that I feel our studies are better because we have people from all over the world. And it’s all based on parental connection.
Elemental’s animation is great from their interactions
Sopitas.com: Y Elemental it’s very literal with the idea that every interaction between characters as items affects each other. How did you come up with great and original ideas for interaction in a giant city like the one in the movie? For example, the way the subway works, the departments, how they move.
Peter Sohn: Well, I couldn’t do any of that myself, I had a lot of help from a really fun group of artists. Most of the time, the game was about, “What is something we connect with as humans” and then how do we “elementize” it.
So it evolved from, “If this is the first time I’m saying goodbye to my friend” to “How do we do that something elementary? Or what if it’s a water person having to say goodbye and it slips through a grating”. And suddenly that idea would join a human interaction but made elemental.
How realistic does the story need to be in an animated movie like Elemental?
Sopitas.com: And you, as creators, will tell me if it’s true, They need to be realistic with some elements of the movie, but in others they can imagine anything as anything is possible. But how do they decide that by saying “This needs to be precise and this is science, we can’t do it any other way”.
Peter son: A lot of it is trying to base it on the truth all the time. If we could find some way to make it logical and real, we would, but also we follow our hearts and emotions, and sometimes that doesn’t follow logic.
So it really depends on the moment and it depends on how you connect with the movie. If you watch the movie trying to figure out what’s going on and something breaks the logic in your brain, that takes you out of the movie. So, we were very careful watching the movie and trying to make sure you stayed connected.
Sopitas.com: Yes, absolutely. And I’m asking this because I’m 30 years old and I watched the film with some people my age, some journalists, to prepare for this interview, and I really enjoyed it. But honestly, In the end I thought things like “Why isn’t that water alive? What’s the difference between that and the other?” And those kinds of questions because I think when you grow up, you overthink everything and try to make sense of it. But no, this is not about that.
Denis Ream: Yeah, like Pete said, we see it and we have those same reactions, so there are times when… When it takes you out of the story is where we focus. And then, like you said, it’s a fantasy and it’s an animated movie and again you expect people to be entertained. and have that fantastic quality that you hope people really enjoy and can connect with.
