Pixar Storytelling - How the WALL-E Opening Scene Tells a Story Without Words
Фильм және анимация
A look at the visual storytelling with sound design and character design in this Pixar video essay on WALL-E.
Best Pixar Movies Ranked ►► bit.ly/wll-e
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Script Setup
00:56 - Setting the Scene
02:35 - Exercise: Beyond the Script
03:44 - Use "Appeal" for Character Design
05:46 - Recap
WALL-E isn’t just one of the best Pixar movies to date, it’s also a masterclass in visual storytelling. For a majority of the film, we get zero dialogue and yet a complicated and compelling story is unfolding in front of us. This isn’t impossible, it was done for decades before sound was introduced to motion pictures. WALL-E seems revolutionary because we’ve become so reliant on dialogue that we’ve forgotten the power of visual storytelling.
In this Pixar video essay, we’re going to look at the first couple minutes of WALL-E to see how sound design, music, audio editing, and character design are all we need to tell a complete and nuanced story.
One of the most impressive feats in the opening minutes of WALL-E is how the combination of sound and image create and balance tone. The very first images we get show us the majesty and wonder of the universe. When soundtracked with a jaunty and peppy show tune (“Put On Your Sunday Clothes”), the tone is clear and consistent. It is an optimistic and adventurous call to action.
But then we plummet through Earth’s atmosphere to the surface and the imagery has taken on a completely different message...yet the music remains unchanged. Now we have the desolation of an abandoned planet that is juxtaposed with the unabashedly optimistic music. The tone, now, is complicated.
And then, the music fades away, as if dissolved and carried away into the past. We are left with only the sound of hollow wind pushing through an apocalyptic landscape. The tone is once again balanced between matching sound and image, albeit on the pessimistic end of the spectrum. In 90 seconds, we have three distinct tonal shifts, all due to the aural and visual storytelling. This is masterful and economic filmmaking - and in a “kids movie” nonetheless!
The lesson here is that dialogue is important and can be used with great purpose and strategy. But as you approach your next project, don’t forget that visual storytelling, film language, sound design, character design, and audio editing are also equally important communication tools. Anyone can tell a story with dialogue, but can you tell a story with images and sound alone? Give it a shot and remember Pixar and WALL-E when you do.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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Spotify Playlist ►► bit.ly/wa-e
Songs Used:
First Date - Wall-E Soundtrack
Wall-E - Wall-E Soundtrack
Put On Your Sunday Clothes - Hello, Dolly (Soundtrack)
2815 A.D. (Wall-E Soundtrack)
Bubble Wrap (Wall-E Soundtrack)
It’s the End of the World as We Know It - REM
It Only Takes A Moment (Hello, Dolly Soundtrack)
Music by Artlist ► utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by Music Vine ► bit.ly/2IUE0pT
Music by MusicBed ► bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq
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Пікірлер: 194
Spotify Playlist ►► bit.ly/wa-e Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Script Setup 00:56 - Setting the Scene 02:35 - Exercise: Beyond the Script 03:44 - Use "Appeal" for Character Design 05:46 - Recap
The fade-out of the music helps to ground us in a hopeless world, but the fade-in tells us that WALL-E is a hopeful character who cares about this world
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Great way to put it 👍
@gregorylagrange
3 жыл бұрын
The music also helps endear him to the audience by nostalgizing him. Which also adds more youthfulness to him. Everyone's perspectives on past times are always described as more innocent, having fewer problems, simpler. Of course they were. So many things are done for you during the times when you're a kid. That immediate association with a song from the past connects to that.
@absurdhero144
3 жыл бұрын
@@gregorylagrange very well put, man!
@gregorylagrange
3 жыл бұрын
@@absurdhero144 Thanks
@ENatement
3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I didn't realize it until watching this video (especially with the alternate edit they made) but when the music comes back with Wall-E, it really draws your attention to him and you focus a lot more on him than you would if the music never stopped.
The transition from non-diegetic to diegetic sound is fairly common in movies. But, that dying-out echo and the few moments of silence is genius. Really makes us feel alone, just like WALL-E when he enters the frame.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Makes such a big difference!
always great seeing sound design being praised
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
makes all the difference.
Walle- e is one of my favourite animated movies
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
among the best!
It deserves a spot on the long line of Pixar's masterpieces.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed
This is, in my opinion, one of the best movie ever made. I consider it almost perfect in every way. My favourite movie ever ❤
@tonieabbott180
9 ай бұрын
WALL-E is absolutely my favorite animated film!! I also consider it to be a pretty much perfect movie by every cinematic standard!!! ❤❤👏
I was bored during the online lesson until I saw that gorgeous notification came out 😌
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Hopefully our lesson is more fun 😂
@linusmaximilian6568
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder of course it is. More Useful and more Fun
WALL-E is one of those movies that honestly gets better as you get older because then you can truly appreciate the things you missed when you watched it earlier, especially the visual storytelling. Not only do I think this is one of the greatest animated movies (my personal favorite animated movie), I think this is one of the greatest movies period!
I think WALL E genuinely has one of the best opening scenes in a film
Damn! Now I'll have to watch Wall-E again.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Well worth repeated viewings 👍
@ajaysinghrathore1940
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder yay! Can't believe I got a reply from my favourite KZread channel.
Fading out, "and we won't come home until we've kissed a girl!" The foreshadowing is real, very well done.
The music introduces us to a world so devoid of life, and ironically continues to play. But as we realise just how bad earths situation has become, it fades out ; darkness and humanities errors (climate change, waste) have prevailed over its positives (music, joy). But adventure is ignited and we see that not all is lost when we hear the music return, this time diegetic, originating from a source of life (or robot at least!) full of hope and wonder. Great video essay, and some really good points about how the effect can be put to use!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Hope it helps!
So glad you cover one of my favorites animated movies! Much love to StudioBinder for producing such amazing content!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Will keep the content coming!
For me wall-e is a “perfect” film. The story and its structure, the characters, designs, storyboards, sound and music etc everything is done perfectly in my opinion
that soundtrack fade-in fade-out reinforces the notion of reality change.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
yup, like a wake-up call
Never noticed how Wall-E had such good and simple sound and image editing. Great video
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
It's all in the details!
I remember watching this in the cinema as a child, even then I understood the scene, this is actually awe inspiring years later now that I'm studying filmmaking. These guys are beasts!
I searched "wall-e beginning" but I couldn't imagine my new favorite KZreadr channel would feature my favorite animation in such a precious way
Comparing the final film to the script and noting the differences is key here. Thanks for the careful work.
It's sad that Disney has all but forgotten this film. It was so good.
The reason why I really love to watch the videos in this channel because I learn a lot so much, thank you so much for all of the videos
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Glad they've been helpful!
A WALL-E video in 4K? Is this heaven? 🐱👓❤👍
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
❤😉
I literally lost count, how many times I cried while watching it.....
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
beautiful film ❤
that sound fadeaway....wowowowow..mind blown
I love seeing analysis of animated films in here. It doesn't happen often but it's a nice treat!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Many gems in these films 👌
Will there be any director's playbooks of some great director like Satyajeet ray, Akira Kurosawa etc. or breaking down of their films
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely will have more Director Playbooks in the future
@naamvikash1100
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder but of which director
Almost shed a tear
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
haha enjoy!
An excellent picking-apart of this opening sequence, with a focus on the impact of sound. The only thing I think you left out, is that by fading the music back in (complete with some of the reverb we heard as it vanished) implies the source as Wall-E, giving us context for the presence of the otherwise anachronistic soundtrack while also immediately establishing that the little robot has a personality (one which enjoys music!)
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Yup, completely agree 👌
Thank you so much for this WALL.E is my favourite movie of all time and I always love learning more about it :)
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Glad we could help!
WALL-E is my favorite animated movie!! I honestly think that it is a pretty much perfect film by every cinematic standard. It's really immaculately rendered!! I highly recommend that any fan of the film listen to Andrew Stanton's commentary on the DVD. It's thoroughly engaging and Mr. Stanton is such a bright and decent person! 👍❤
I remember when I went to see the movie. I was only about 14 years old and knew a lot less about cinema than I do now and yet I remember walking out of the movie theater thinking: "Wow, what a great movie!" It had the characters, the tone, it was fun and very exciting, and it also treated issues Issues like climate change and our dependence on technology so rightly. Now, years later, every time I see it, it continues to amaze me. For me it is the best Pixar movie. Thanks to StudioBinder for adding one more element to understand and appreciate this movie.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Happy to help everyone appreciate this film :)
This channel is very informative!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
That's the goal!
This is what many people don't understand about filmmaking, it is not just about shooting and editing footages. It entails much more, like making a simple decision such as fading in/out music to give it "depth and richness."
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
sound is half of the film!
I love wall-e!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
we love wall-e too!
Abandoned and alone for centuries, he still does his job. (somehow I feel offended) hahaha
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
the ideal employee 😂
Amazing! Thank very much for the subtitles
You voice-overs are so rich and crisp, very high quality. And your timing is always on point, as well. Would you please share which microphone and editing tools you use? I'm really into audio.
People who do this kind of work are simply genius! I admire them!
"Pure cinema" - Alfred Hitchcock
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
not "photographs of people talking"
@Mandibil
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder Another Hitch :-)
Hey studiobinder I know you re working on KZread for more than 4 year and still you didn't get much views and more you deserve more than 10 subscribers and I love your editing ...pls don't leave this channel there are many people who love to watch your videos and pls don't give up
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
no plans on giving up 👌
@quddus0079
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder yeah ! Indeed your videos influential that can inspire a person to be a director and Will you pls make videos on best director's movies(david fincher, martin scorsese , steven speilberg clint eastwood etc.)as you made for " christopher nolan movies ranked "(agreed with this list thought inception but actually my favorite was memento )and other for videos on best movie On mystery thriller crime thriller drama etc. pls its a request and by this many people will love to see your video
Thanks for value addition ! I am big fan of your channel !
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the support!
Starting the day with a sweet notification
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Our Monday gift to our subscribers
That was a very good explanation about soundtracks at the movie on the movie
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! You can find all the music we used for the video on the spotify link in the pinned comment!
The real tragedy here is that we have to wait another week for the next video
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
haha more on the way!
Your channel makes really usefull, high quality content. And the guy who narrates it, it just makes it just the more highend.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Appreciate the feedback!
Love this intro..truly genius writing.
A simple effect with an amazing result!!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Nothing fancy, but very effective
@EliteMelodies
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder Indeed! And thanks for the reply 🙂
Gracias studio Binder, GRACIAAAAAAAASSSS
Masterpiece
I appreciate this video so much🙌🏾✨
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
your videos are first class!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
I learn from your channel as if I'm in a top notch film academy. Thank you!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Class in session!
Awesome episode after a long time 🥳
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
New episode every week!
I love this channel so much
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
super informative!
*StudioBinder uploads a video about Wall-E* Me: On my way to watch the film again.
Great video ! Keep up your good work !
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Will do!
Super ❤️🙏
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
Great analysis
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Appreciate it!
Beautiful
Indeed sound changes everything. Adds *aaaaah* moaning sound to every meme :)
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
That does change things 😅
this is a rly good video🤩WALL•E an all-time fave🥰
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
all-time great film!
Wall-e is a brilliant beautiful movie
love it!!!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
💖
Audio is half of the experience!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Facts! We have a video on Tarantino's sound design you should check out! kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZXx50cGdidefYqQ.html
@oniriscope
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder yes I will
Superb video
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Great to hear!
*You are my favorite channel on Cinema✨.*
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
That's the goal!
Awesome :)
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks :)
Can anyone explain this statement "WALL E 's endearing and sympathetic design perfectly balances the post apocalyptic tone"
@restlessnative9305
16 күн бұрын
I interpret that to mean that Wall-E, while rusty & beat up, is nevertheless cute in a way that almost exactly balances the bleakness of the world.
U guys shoud make a video about the score. Really changes the entire mood.
Pls keep on uploading more videos Studio Binder. I would love to know more about filming🎉🎉😊💖
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
More videos coming!
amazing
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
When ever i get notification frm studio binder.. first i like the video.. second i watch the content .. 🤣🤣
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
That is the way :)
Nice
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
I really hope this narrator is paid well.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
he is ;)
Probably the best animated movie of last 20 years
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
It's in the running for sure
Saludos desde México
The best pixar movie
Early morning 🌞
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Good morning!
Plss make a video on anime
@martinbednarik888
3 жыл бұрын
When i saw Akira, my heart melt 😃
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Anything in particular you want covered?
I was JUST writing my own video essay on Wall-E for my main channel 😹
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Good luck with the video!
@sweetlemonadartanimations369
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder Thank you! It will be the first on the channel in that style.
Please reupload the anamorphic v spherical lenses video :( i really liked it i added it to favorite list :( plssss
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion!
Yo.....the notification has come !!!
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
we have arrived!
I'm always curious how film works or certain scenes work and studiobinder shows the answers. Now I'm curious who's the guy behinds the studiobinder..
😍😍
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
❤
Where can we get scripts or storyboard for movies, please tell if there is any source
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
you can get free pdf scripts here www.studiobinder.com/blog/best-free-movie-scripts-online/
@user-gq1ij
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot
Please analyse studio ghibli movies
I need offline story binder Please Please Please
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback!
Hey , @studiobinder team your video are such inspirational, I have made a Short film, but I don't know how can present and submit to any film festival, can you help me out..🙏🙏
Din' Mr.Deakins cinematograph this?
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
He consulted the animators on how to make the film look more like a live action film
Where did the anamorphic lens video go???
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
We had copyright claims that needed to be addressed
@meshmeshmeshmesh
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder fair enough! That was one of my favourites! Damn KZread
We will not check the weight balance during the shooting, they will do the editing tell me
The Fallout games use the non-diegetic/diegetic sound design trick in all their intros, too, except for Fallout 4 and 76 as they are abominably poor excuses for games.
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
It's a great technique to use!
When you guys gonna do episode about "James Cameron."
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
No projects for him at the moment
@praveersingh8341
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder come on then , make one !
It's because wall-e slaps
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
What do you mean?
@tylerwhorff7143
3 жыл бұрын
@@StudioBinder every bit of Wall-E was approached with care, the writing, the sound design, the world building. It's one of my favorite movies of all time and many people have made video essays on it, including this one because there's just so much attention to detail
I am Krishna from India best film making Hollywood .
First
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Welcome!
Wall e is cuter than Sophia tbh
@StudioBinder
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed
Keep strong. Dont forget that despite the struggles and madness in this world today, God is full of justice, mercy and love. Justice said we broke His perfect law - causing the world's previous perfection to be destroyed - and therefore we deserve Hell (like a punishment in any legal system but this is eternal as His perfect law is eternal too). Don't think you fit in that category? Ever done one of these?: lying, stealing - regardless of how small the object EVER, hating others - which is murder in God's perfect law, lusting (plus God sees our entire thought life). Justice says "the soul that sins shall die" - if we break one in thought/word/deed it's as if we're guilty of all of them. Quite simply, living by the law (which is doing everything perfectly) is impossible for sinful humans . The law shows us that 1. We will die in Hell if we fail to follow it and 2. We cannot save ourselves BUT, 3. God's perfect, immovable law points us to Christ, who followed and fulfilled the law in thought, word and deed perfectly in our place. He did what we couldn't and did it on our behalf. He was then sentenced to death on a cross, and took our personal punishment for our sin, paying our penalty (like paying our fine) completely FOR us, and has given us freedom. If we turn from the sins we have committed and repent (pursue the opposite direction of love through Christ) He will, overtime, recreate us back into that previously perfect image through The Holy Spirit which Jesus sends to all who accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior of their life. He will help us through the struggle, the stress, and anything we experience in the world. It's about letting Christ in to guide and teach you and obeying Him through His power (not ourselves, we need Him to help us as it's impossible without depending on His power and instruction). He is our substitute in His life, death and resurrection. He essentially rewrote history in our place so that, if you believe in Him, it will be as if you had never sinned if you accept Christ's death as our own in our place. He is in Heaven right now preparing a place for us so that He can take His faithful, believing children home with Him when He returns. He will ressurrect us from death when He returns, giving mercy to those who accept His love, instruction and teachings in their life, and give justice to those who refuse it. He doesn't want ANY of us to go to Hell and die for continuing in evil and rejecting His way to life, thats why He died FOR us. Hes giving EVERYONE a chance, He wants everyone to take the free gift of salvation from Hell. He wants us to be His and begin to follow His life of love and service through His power and abiding (staying) with Him. So long as we keep our hearts near to Christ through His strength, strive to follow His will of perfect love revealed in the Bible, and let Him lead in the midst of (very certain) pitfalls and struggles, we will, in time, win the ultimate victory over sin, pain and DEATH through Christ. Even if you are willing to be made willing, pray for Jesus to come in and He will do what we can't. Give us The Holy Spirit who will guide us in the right way. Christ says in John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] - (AMPLIFIED version) NOTE: You are NEVER too sinful or messed up that God cannot turn your life around through Jesus. EVER. Regardless of what you've done or what you're going through you CAN make it through Jesus. X