What if, in order to find yourself again, all you had to do was look within? This question forms the crux of Pixar’s latest film Soul.
A look at the life of a middle-aged and struggling, yet aspiring jazz musician Joe Gardner, the film follows his journey as his soul becomes accidentally separated from his body, and ends up in the astral world known as the Great Before. Joe must help a fellow soul, named 22, by becoming her father-figure, in order to find her spark and purpose before being assigned to a body, whilst attempt to return to his own, right before his big break as a jazz musician. As Joe helps 22 find her spark, he undergoes a journey – which holds some valuable lessons – himself.
Pixar is quite well known for being appealing to children and adults alike with their vibrant animation and equally vivid storytelling, packed with thought-provoking themes. This combination attains a crescendo in Soul.
Director Pete Docter (having directed previous Pixar offerings, including Inside Out) crafts a film that dares to ask important questions such as the pursuit of one’s dreams, and the discovery of one’s spark and purpose, alongside learning about the beauty of life, as well as the fine line between obsession and passion. These concepts are beautifully realized and presented in the film, either in a straightforward way, or as metaphors.
As animated films continue to evolve in terms of their technology, graphics and software, it is astounding to see the result that Pixar has achieved with their latest film. Soul effectively captures the colorful and eclectic lifestyle of New York, while providing an ethereal and psychedelic look to the Great Beyond.
Pixar’s rendering of New York City, from it’s skyline, it’s streets, to it’s inhabitants is breath taking to look at, as it manages to blur the line between animation and reality, yet gives it a unique painterly effect that is aesthetically and visually pleasing to behold.
Soul, like Coco furthermore takes a leap in terms of representation in animated cinema, putting a African-American protagonist in front and center, a first for a Pixar film, rounding out with a predominant African-American supporting cast.
Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey carry the film with vocal and comedic talents, perfectly guiding the viewer with their chemistry through this brisk tale of misadventure, humor and heart, which packs an emotional punch in the end.
Soul furthermore is a treat for music aficionados, as it weaves in and out of classical jazz compositions (set in the real world), composed by Jon Batiste, to a lush ambient and ambient score (which marks the astral world), composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The latter duo, like their previous album, Mank, continue to expand the scope of their music and bring their A-game to a score that ranks amongst their finest.
Soul certainly is a delightfully satisfying and moving piece of cinema that will provide entertainment, laughs, respite and ultimately a worthy lesson to viewers to all ages, and will reinforce Pixar as brand of quality storytelling.
Texts of A Pop Culture Buff 