How Pixar's SOUL Balances the Existential and Lighthearted

Summary

In this video essay, the creator analyzes Pixar's film *Soul*, praising its thought-provoking exploration of life's meaning. The story follows Joe Gardner, a jazz musician, who teams up with an unborn soul named 22 after a life-altering event. Together, they explore philosophical themes like determinism and existentialism, while highlighting the importance of appreciating life's small moments. The essay discusses how *Soul* balances lightheartedness and deep existential questions, ultimately encouraging viewers to reevaluate their perspective on life and find joy in the present.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Pixar's 'Soul' is a thought-provoking film, potentially rivaling the cinematic brilliance of 'Ratatouille'.
• 🌆 The setting of New York City is brought to life with Pixar’s signature immersive world-building, comparable to 'Ratatouille's Paris.
• 🎷 The story revolves around Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a jazz musician.
• 💥 Joe's life takes a turn when he falls into a manhole and his soul enters the Great Beyond, sparking a journey to reclaim his life.
• 💭 'Soul' delves into philosophical themes like determinism and existentialism, exploring free will and the meaning of life.
• 🌀 The movie contrasts the determinism of souls being assigned personalities with existentialist ideas of free will and personal choice.
• 🎉 Pixar excels at introducing heavy topics like life’s purpose in a gentle, accessible way for younger audiences.
• 👶 The character 22, a cynical unborn soul, discovers the beauty of life through small, everyday moments, adding depth to the story.
• 🎨 The film masterfully balances lighthearted humor and deeper existential themes, offering profound messages for both children and adults.
• 🌟 The ultimate message of 'Soul' is that life’s spark is not about finding a singular purpose but appreciating the little moments of joy and wonder all around us.

Q & A

What is the main setting of Pixar's movie 'Soul'?

The main setting of 'Soul' is in the heart of New York City.

Who is the protagonist of 'Soul' and what is his dream?

The protagonist of 'Soul' is Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher whose lifelong dream is to become a jazz musician.

What significant event happens to Joe Gardner that changes the course of the story?

Joe Gardner falls into a manhole and his soul is taken to the 'Great Beyond', a mysterious and abstract place.

Where does Joe's soul go after the 'Great Beyond' and what does he try to do there?

After the 'Great Beyond', Joe's soul ends up in the 'Great Before', where unborn souls are prepped for life on Earth. He teams up with a cynical unborn soul named 22 to reclaim his life on Earth.

How does Pixar's 'Soul' differ in its thematic approach compared to other Pixar movies?

'Soul' differs by exploring heavy philosophical themes such as the essence of life, determinism, and existentialism, while maintaining a balance with lighthearted storytelling.

What two primary philosophical schools of thought does 'Soul' touch on?

'Soul' touches on determinism, which is the doctrine that all events are ultimately determined by external causes, and existentialism, which emphasizes the existence of the individual as a free agent determining their own development.

How does the character 22's perspective on life differ from Joe's in 'Soul'?

22 has a more open-minded and indiscriminate sense of wonderment about life, savoring every moment, while Joe is focused on achieving his dream and overcoming obstacles.

What lesson does Joe learn from his journey with 22 in 'Soul'?

Joe learns that the elusive spark he was chasing in life has always been right in front of him, and that it's important to simply live and appreciate the moments all around us.

How does 'Soul' balance lighthearted elements with deeper philosophical themes?

'Soul' balances lighthearted elements with deeper themes through its minimalistic animation, engaging storytelling, and the juxtaposition of Joe's and 22's perspectives on life.

What message does 'Soul' convey about finding one's purpose and passion in life?

'Soul' conveys that true fulfillment comes not from chasing a grand purpose or passion, but from appreciating and living in the moment, finding joy in the little things in life.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Pixar's New Masterpiece: A Riveting Story of Life and Soul

Pixar’s latest movie, *Soul*, is hailed as one of their most thought-provoking films, rivaling the cinematic brilliance of *Ratatouille*. Set in New York City, *Soul* combines Pixar's renowned world-building with a deeply reflective storyline. The film follows Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, whose dream of becoming a jazz musician takes a strange turn when he falls into a manhole and his soul is transported to 'The Great Beyond.' The story then explores profound questions about life and what truly gives a soul its spark. Joe teams up with an unborn soul named 22 in an attempt to reclaim his life, creating an emotional and philosophical narrative unlike any Pixar film before it.

05:01

💡 Exploring Life’s Big Philosophical Questions Through Animation

In typical Pixar fashion, *Soul* delves into complex themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. The movie examines two key philosophical ideas: determinism, the belief that events are determined by external causes, and existentialism, which emphasizes free will and personal responsibility. While the souls in the 'Great Before' are given certain personalities, the movie embraces the existential idea that individuals shape their own destinies. Through the film’s lighthearted approach to heavy topics, Pixar successfully introduces young audiences to deep philosophical concepts while maintaining the charm and visual appeal of their signature animation style.

Keywords

💡Soul

In the video, 'Soul' refers not only to the title of Pixar's film but also to the concept explored throughout the movie—the essence of a person's being. The film explores what gives a soul its 'spark,' or meaning, by following the protagonist Joe's journey through life and beyond, and his encounter with an unborn soul named 22. The idea of the soul is central to the philosophical questions the film poses about purpose and existence.

💡Determinism

Determinism is a philosophical concept explored in the video, referring to the belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by external factors, such as fate. In 'Soul,' this idea is touched upon when souls are assigned personalities and mentors in the 'Great Before.' However, the video contrasts this concept with the film’s more existential exploration of free will, as characters like Joe and 22 exercise autonomy in their actions.

💡Existentialism

Existentialism is the philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility in shaping one’s own life. In 'Soul,' existentialism is explored through the idea that people determine their own development through acts of free will. This contrasts with deterministic elements in the movie and challenges the characters, particularly Joe, to reconsider what truly gives life meaning and fulfillment beyond predetermined paths.

💡The Great Before

The 'Great Before' is a fictional, metaphysical place in the movie where unborn souls are prepared for life on Earth. It serves as a key setting in the narrative where Joe meets 22. This setting represents the idea of potential and preparation for life, and it plays into the film’s exploration of philosophical questions about purpose, life, and what it means to live fully.

💡Spark

The 'spark' in the video refers to the elusive quality that makes life meaningful. It is a central concept in 'Soul,' representing the essence or passion that gives individuals a sense of purpose. Throughout the movie, Joe believes his spark is music, while 22 struggles to find hers. Ultimately, the film suggests that the spark isn’t necessarily a singular, grand purpose but the joy found in everyday experiences.

💡Joe Gardner

Joe Gardner is the protagonist of 'Soul,' a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a successful jazz musician. His journey in the film revolves around his quest to return to life after his soul is separated from his body, allowing him to reexamine what truly matters in life. Joe’s character symbolizes ambition and the struggle many people face in balancing dreams with appreciating life’s small moments.

💡22

22 is an unborn soul in 'Soul' who becomes Joe's companion throughout his journey. She initially rejects life on Earth, unable to find her spark. Her character represents a more cynical, questioning perspective on life, contrasting Joe's single-minded pursuit of his dream. Through her experiences on Earth, 22 learns to appreciate the simple joys of existence, highlighting the film’s theme of finding meaning in everyday moments.

💡Jazz

Jazz plays a significant role in the narrative of 'Soul' as Joe Gardner’s passion and life’s calling. It symbolizes artistic expression, improvisation, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The film's use of jazz music ties into its broader themes of passion and purpose, reflecting how Joe’s relationship with jazz influences his perspective on life and the meaning he attributes to his experiences.

💡New York City

New York City serves as the primary physical setting for Joe Gardner’s life in 'Soul.' It is depicted in a way that contrasts with the abstract, metaphysical realms of the 'Great Before' and the 'Great Beyond.' The city’s vibrant, bustling nature mirrors Joe’s drive and ambition, while also highlighting the beauty of small, everyday moments that 22 comes to appreciate during her time on Earth.

💡Mentorship

Mentorship is a recurring theme in 'Soul,' both in Joe’s role as a music teacher and in the relationship between Joe and 22. In the 'Great Before,' unborn souls are matched with mentors to guide them in finding their spark. This dynamic underscores the film’s exploration of personal growth, as mentors help individuals discover their passions, yet the film also suggests that true fulfillment often comes from one’s own experiences rather than external guidance.

Highlights

Seoul is Pixar's latest film and is considered thought-provoking, rivaling the cinematic mastery of Ratatouille.

The film's setting in New York City is as masterfully brought to life as Paris in Ratatouille.

Seoul explores the essence of life and what gives a soul its spark.

The movie opens with Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a jazz musician.

Joe gets the opportunity to perform with jazz legend Dorothea Williams but falls into a manhole, sending his soul to the Great Beyond.

In the Great Before, Joe teams up with unborn soul 22 to reclaim his life.

Pixar's storytelling can evoke emotions in both children and adults.

Seoul delves into philosophical territory, exploring themes of determinism and existentialism.

The film suggests that characters act with free will, emphasizing the importance of exercising it.

Soul introduces deeper, potentially darker topics in a way suitable for young audiences.

The film balances light-hearted and existential themes, encouraging viewers to find what gives life its spark.

Joe's tunnel vision is contrasted with 22's open-minded approach to experiencing life.

22's experiences on Earth lead her to find joy in simple moments, such as savoring pizza or observing beauty.

The film suggests that fulfillment in life comes from appreciating the little moments, not just pursuing a passion.

Soul blends the real world of New York City with the hypothetical realm of the Great Before.

The film is a timeless masterpiece that teaches us to reevaluate our perspective on life.

Soul conveys that the elusive spark of life has always been within our reach, encouraging us to simply live and appreciate it.

The video essay is one of the creator's first and they plan on making more like it in the future.

Transcripts

seoul is pixar's latest and in my

opinion

most thought-provoking movie yet i never

thought i'd say this

but pixar has finally created a film

that rivals the cinematic mastery of

ratatouille

with its physical setting taking place

in the heart of new york city

seoul breathes life into the city in a

way that's almost as masterful as

ratatouille's paris but aside from the

incredibly immersive world building that

pixar is known for

seoul stands out for its story the plot

dives into the essence of life itself as

it explores what exactly it is that

gives a soul its spark

but first let's start with some context

the movie opens in a band room filled

with off-key tunes

to set the scene for the life of joe

gardner a middle school music teacher

whose lifelong dream is to become a jazz

musician

one day joe is presented with the

opportunity of a lifetime

to perform alongside jazz legend

dorothea williams

but just when joe is about to get his

big break he falls into a manhole

and his soul is taken to the great

beyond a mysterious

abstract place that simultaneously looks

like an abyss

and a stairway to heaven but we won't

get into that in this video

as soon as joe realizes where he is he

immediately wants to go back to his

previous life

in a desperate attempt to return he

takes a leap and ends up in the great

before

where unborn souls are prepped for life

on earth

from there joe teams up with a cynical

unborn soul named 22

to reclaim the life of his dreams which

has just slipped through his fingers

as they have done time and time again

pixar brings to life a story that can

make anyone's emotions bubble to the

surface

whether you're a child or a full-grown

adult while pixar has a history of

illuminating themes of passion

purpose and finding your place in this

world what's special about seoul is that

it's not afraid to wander into heavy

philosophical territory in order to do

so

by doing this soul is able to take a

deeper dive into what it means to live a

full life

in a world full of lost souls the two

primary schools of thought that soul

touches on

are one determinism which is the

doctrine that all events

including human action are ultimately

determined by causes

external to the will and two

existentialism

a philosophical approach which

emphasizes the existence of the

individual

as a free and responsible agent

determining their own development

through acts of free will while there's

a deterministic quality about the way

souls are given personalities and

matched up with life-altering mentors in

the great before

nearly everything else about the movie

appears to offset this philosophy

as characters not only act with the

sense of free will but even emphasize

the importance of exercising this

ability in a way that is undeniably

existential in nature

before we get lost in the sauce of these

two philosophies let's just leave it at

this

soul confronts the meaning of life head

on but

because this is a pixar film the writers

had to find a way to gently introduce

these deeper

potentially darker topics to the highly

impressionable young minds that make up

a huge chunk of their audience

and that's where soul excels from the

minimalistic contours and gradients that

make up the grape before

to the familiar softness of pixar's

animation style

soul masters the art of balancing the

light-hearted and existential

in doing so the film nudges viewers to

take a closer look at what gives life

its spark

thereby transcending the trope that we

have to find our purpose and pursue it

with the passion

in order to achieve fulfillment in life

while joe is

dead set on overcoming any obstacle that

stands in the way of his lifelong dream

his partner 22 has a much more

open-minded approach to the mission

as 22 ends up in joe's body and joe

finds himself in the body of a cat

joe's tunnel vision is juxtaposed with

the indiscriminate sense of wonderment

that 22 develops while on earth as joe

hurries from place to place to get ready

for the show

22 stops at each corner to savor the

moments of novelty that cross her path

we see this happening when connie one of

joe's students

knocks at his door to announce that

she's quitting the trumpet

joe's first instinct is to shoo her away

in order to save time

meanwhile 22 sits and listens to her

jaded rant

and she really listens closely enough to

realize that deep down

connie does care about the trumpet and

has the potential to be a great musician

when joe wants to get in and out of his

haircut appointment 22 takes the chance

to learn more about dez the barber

reaching an understanding about dez's

life which joe had only scratched the

surface of before

from the way she soaked up every note in

the subway singer's song

to this sheer magic she found in a

falling propeller scene

22 saw everything from the lens of a

newborn baby during her time on earth

however her perspective was far more

refined than that of a newborn babies

because she had the wisdom of thousands

of mentors before her

and access to joe's mind and body and

yet

equipped with several lifetimes worth of

wisdom and knowledge

22 found her spark by simply

experiencing life

herself what begins as a movie about

passion

eventually turns into a more granulated

look at life with the spotlight pointed

at the little moments that make us fall

in love with it

moments as simple as savoring a slice of

pizza or

observing the beauty that's all around

us from beginning to end

this film is simply teeming with life

set in two realities that could not be

more different

soul blends the real world of new york

city in the hypothetical realm

of the great before in a story that

strikes the perfect balance between

lighthearted and existential

a marriage that makes this film in my

opinion a timeless masterpiece

through their journey together joe and

22 teach us to take a step back and

reevaluate the perspective with which we

see the world and thereby live our lives

often times it is not wisdom passion or

purpose that we are missing

but rather the permission to simply live

and appreciate the life that's all

around us

it's a perspective that all children are

born with but one that we lose sight of

over time

as discovered by joe in 22 the elusive

spark that we all chase

has always been right there in front of

us

congratulations on making it to the very

end of this video i hope you enjoyed it

and

if you did make sure to subscribe so

that you can stay posted on more videos

like these

this was one of my very first video

essays and i had a lot of fun making it

so i definitely plan on making more

videos like these in the future

stay posted and have an amazing new year