WALL-E: A timeless, haunting classic

Written by Mark Schumann, Father of Three
Thursday, 17 July 2008 10:23

Many movies try to visualize what could happen to a world that people neglect. Charlton Heston, in the final moments of the original Planet of the Apes, is shocked to learn that the frightening planet of the title is, actually, Earth many years later. The futuristic dramas AI and Minority Report suggest that, ultimately, people may find it socially unacceptable to care for each other. And Al Gore’s riveting documentary An Inconvenient Truth imagines a world out of control because of individual and corporate greed.

Such important messages, no matter how well intentioned, may be too complex for many children to fully grasp. Leave it to the creative minds of Pixar and Disney to place distressing lessons about a society of consumption within the framework of marvelous entertainment. WALL-E is movie experience that should not be missed. As an animated feature, it thrills in its creative use of visual and sound; as a message film, it offers an authentic voice of caution. No matter your position on issues of social and environmental responsibility, this is an event to be shared with your children.

WALL-E opens with a brilliantly animated introduction to what appears to be a shimmering city of skyscrapers. Only when we get closer do we realize, surprisingly, that the towers in the sky are made of garbage, and that a lifeless landscape is the result of too much consumer consumption. All that is left on Earth are discarded remnants of people who loved to shop, spend and toss. Enter WALL-E, the last of the solar-powered garbage collectors who, day in and out, packages trash. As he works, he collects souvenirs of a consumer-oriented society, from lights that once adorned a holiday tree to an old VHS tape of Hello, Dolly! that provides his evening entertainment. His is a life as predictable as any who originally purchased what he now packages. Only when he connects with another robot — on assignment from a gigantic space spa for humans who fled the planet — does WALL-E realize how much he wants to do more than simply consume. He wants to connect with others, mean something to others, and help others escape from a world of consumption.

What makes WALL-E such a brilliant piece of film making — and certainly one of the year’s best films — is how it effectively works on many levels. For people who seek a dazzling display of animation, the film takes a quantum leap in its visual style and look from the previous best-in-class entries such as Finding Nemo and Ratatouille. For people looking for delightful characters and interesting situations, the film is breezy and fun. And for parents who want to talk with children about the hazards of over consumption, the film is an ideal discussion opener. WALL-E never preaches, never blames, never ignores. It simply presents a full picture of a world we could be creating simply because we always want more.

Written and directed by Andrew Stanton, who created Finding Nemo, the film tells its story with almost no dialogue. Such a courageous creative decision strengthens the film. Traditional dialogue -with meaningful messages about where we live and how we live — could have overwhelmed the simple humanity of the film’s message. WALL-E becomes, thanks to the brilliance of the animators, a fully developed character who never needs dialogue to convey a complete expression or emotion. In a brilliant piece of movie making that just happens to be animated, the makers of WALL-E remind us that no matter what words we may express, our actions will always speak louder.

Note to Parents: WALL-E is a film no family member should miss. Experienced as a family, in fact, the film can prompt meaningful discussion about how we live and what simple, lasting changes we can make. Use the film as a call to action of how each family member can make simple changes that add to can add up to make a difference, from how we buy, to how we recycle. You can help your kids understand that taking care of our world is a job for everyone.

Film Nutritional Value:

WALL-E

• Content: High. The film offers a great deal of insight into what lingering impact the actions on and around our world may create.
• Entertainment: High. While a serious film, the emphasis on real character enables the film to breathe, and offers moments of natural humor, and the visual world is astonishing.
• Message: High. This is an important film for anyone interested in today’s headlines to experience no matter your stands of social and environmental responsibility.
• Relevance: High. WALL-E is unusual in presenting a balanced approach to the story and the views that is not often present in films about such issues.
• Opportunity for Dialogue: High. There will be a great deal to talk about after you share this film with your children. Take the time to let the film digest and to share your reactions.