Pete Docter Explains the Inspiration Behind Pixar’s Latest Film, ‘Soul’ | The Breakdown

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Pete Docter reflects on his journey in animation, particularly the creative process behind the film 'Soul.' He explores themes of purpose, the pursuit of passion, and the nature of existence, emphasizing the importance of jazz as a metaphor for improvisation in life. Docter shares challenges faced during production, including designing the ethereal worlds and character concepts. He highlights collaboration with diverse talent, the influence of real-life experiences, and the organic development of music in the film. Ultimately, he conveys a deep appreciation for storytelling and the artistic journey in animation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pete Docter began his career in animation at a young age, professionally starting at 15.
• 😀 After the success of 'Inside Out', he faced a creative crossroads, questioning what to do next in his career.
• 😀 The film explores themes of life and purpose, particularly what it means to truly live.
• 😀 The movie's setting precedes life, focusing on souls before they are born, a concept not widely represented in traditions.
• 😀 Designing the ethereal souls involved creative challenges, aiming to represent them as nonphysical entities.
• 😀 The character designs were inspired by modernist art and the idea of creating a visual language that feels otherworldly.
• 😀 The contrast between the tactile world and the ethereal realm helped to define the film's visual narrative.
• 😀 The concept of 'lost souls' was influenced by real-life experiences of individuals who seem aimless or overly focused.
• 😀 Jazz music plays a crucial thematic role in the film, emphasizing improvisation and adaptability in life.
• 😀 Collaborating with composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross introduced a unique scoring process that evolved alongside the script.

Q & A

What motivated Pete Docter to explore the themes of life and purpose in his film?

After the success of 'Inside Out,' Docter felt a sense of completion but was left wondering about the deeper meaning of life and the pursuit of passion. This led him to investigate what it truly means to live.

How did Docter and his team approach the design of the ethereal world in the film?

The design process involved extensive research and creativity, as there are few traditions that depict the afterlife before birth. The team experimented with visualizing souls as foggy and vaporous forms, inspired by modernist sculptures and abstract concepts.

What challenges did the team face when depicting souls in the film?

One significant challenge was avoiding offense to various beliefs about the afterlife. The filmmakers decided to focus on the period before life, which allowed them to create their own interpretations without delving too deeply into religious themes.

How does the film address the concept of 'lost souls'?

Lost souls are depicted as individuals who are aimlessly wandering through life, contrasting with the main character, Joe, who is driven by passion. The film explores the idea that intense focus on a goal can also lead to a sense of being lost.

What inspired the choice of jazz music as a central theme in the film?

Jazz was chosen because it embodies improvisation and creativity, mirroring the film's message about navigating life's uncertainties. Docter was inspired by a story from Herbie Hancock about Miles Davis's ability to turn mistakes into valuable moments in music.

How did the collaboration with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross influence the film's music?

Reznor and Ross contributed a different approach to scoring, working closely with the filmmakers throughout the writing process rather than just scoring to a locked picture. This led to a more organic and iterative development of the film's soundtrack.

What role did Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey play in the film?

Jamie Foxx voices Joe, the main character, bringing a blend of comedy and drama, while Tina Fey voices 22, a character who embodies a teenage attitude of skepticism and indifference. Their performances added depth and energy to their roles.

How did the film's production adapt to the challenges posed by COVID-19?

Despite being close to finishing the project when the pandemic hit, the production team successfully transitioned to remote work, allowing animators and other team members to complete their tasks from home.

What is the significance of the film's setting in New York City?

New York City was chosen as a recognizable and vibrant backdrop for the film. The team aimed to capture the essence of the city through stylized visuals and jazz culture, creating an atmosphere that felt both familiar and unique.

How did the filmmakers ensure cultural representation in the cast?

The filmmakers aimed for an international cast to reflect the diverse themes of the film. This approach was essential in creating a universally relatable story while also acknowledging the global context of the characters and their experiences.