“Pete Docter’s Insightful Journey: Exploring Cannes, ‘Elemental’, and Pixar’s Future Plans”

Pixar Boss Pete Docter Discusses Pixar‘s Approach and the Importance of Movie Theaters

Introduction

Pixar, the renowned animation studio known for its groundbreaking films, is hoping to draw families back to movie theaters with its latest release, “Elemental.” In an interview with Variety, Pixar‘s creative chief officer, Pete Docter, sat down to discuss the studio’s approach to programming, the impact of the pandemic on movie releases, and the future of Pixar. Docter addresses the criticism that Pixar has lost its magic touch and emphasizes the importance of experiencing films like “Elemental” in a theater. The conversation provides insight into Pixar‘s philosophy, the balance between familiar and original stories, and the challenges of getting audiences back to movie theaters.

Pixar‘s Approach to Programming

When asked about Pixar‘s approach to creating films, Docter explains that the studio doesn’t see itself as making children’s programming exclusively. Rather, Pixar aims to create movies that are simple enough for adults to enjoy but sophisticated enough to engage kids as well. By finding something at the heart of each film that speaks to human beings, Pixar ensures that there is something for both parents and children to connect with. This has been the studio’s approach from the very beginning, and it remains unchanged.

The Impact of Streaming and the Importance of the Big Screen

Docter reflects on the decision to release the film “Soul” on Disney+, acknowledging the mixed blessing of streaming platforms. While streaming allows wider accessibility during a pandemic, it also trains audiences to wait for films to be available on platforms, leading to fewer theater-goers. He highlights the importance of experiencing films like “Elemental” on the big screen, emphasizing the visual spectacle and immersive nature of the theater experience. Additionally, Docter mentions the shared experience of watching a film with strangers and the energy that comes from being in a room with other people.

Creating Stories with Layers

Docter discusses the process of developing characters, emphasizing the importance of appealing to the kid in all of us. Pixar starts with concepts that tap into universal experiences and emotions, such as loss, becoming a parent, and the struggle between duty and love. From there, they build layers, incorporating physical and verbal comedy, visual puns, and a variety of elements to ensure there is something for everyone. The aim is to create films that are not just about monsters, cars, or fish on the surface but resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

The Balance Between Familiarity and Originality

Addressing the idea that audiences tend to prefer established intellectual properties (IP) over new and original characters, Docter shares his perspective on the sweet spot between familiarity and surprise. He draws a parallel to music, stating that if every note is predictable, it becomes monotonous, but if every note is unfamiliar, it becomes jarring. Similarly, while audiences may currently gravitate towards sequels and adaptations, Docter stresses the importance of developing new original stories. He believes that audiences deserve to be surprised while still finding comfort in the familiar.

The Future of Pixar and Getting Audiences Back to Theaters

In terms of Pixar‘s future, Docter mentions upcoming projects and maintains the studio’s commitment to finding fun subjects and telling them in a relatable and entertaining way. He hints at a sequel to “Inside Out” and additional “Toy Story” films. However, Docter emphasizes the need for a balance between sequels and original films. The challenge lies in getting audiences back to movie theaters, particularly families with children who may be more reluctant due to health concerns and the cost of a theater outing. For original films like “Elemental,” Docter encourages audiences to experience the visual spectacle and immersive soundscapes that can only be truly appreciated in a cinema.

Criticism and the Future of Animation

Discussing the mixed response to “Elemental” at Cannes, where the film received a standing ovation but also faced some negative reviews, Docter acknowledges the challenging position that Pixar finds itself in. As a studio with a rich filmography, Pixar is often critiqued not only based on other movies but also on its own past successes. Nonetheless, Docter remains optimistic about the diversity of perspectives in animation and the audience’s willingness to embrace different storytelling approaches. He cites the success of films like “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” as examples of the exciting growth and expansion of the animated film industry.

Conclusion

Pixar continues to push the boundaries of animation, develop new original stories, and engage audiences with relatable themes. Pete Docter’s insights provide an intimate look into Pixar‘s approach and the challenges faced by the studio in a constantly evolving industry. As audiences navigate changing viewing habits, Docter reminds us of the unparalleled cinematic experience and the impact of watching films like “Elemental” on the big screen. Whether it’s capturing the imagination of children or resonating with adults, Pixar remains committed to crafting compelling stories that speak to the human experience.