Why Ratatouille is Pixar's Magnum Opus

Schaffrillas Productions・2 minutes read

Animation is a versatile art form encompassing various genres, inspiring a narrator to pursue art over economics. Through dissecting "Ratatouille," the narrator finds themes of passion, creativity, and acceptance, looking for a similar mature and inspiring storytelling approach in Pixar's future works.

Insights

Animation encompasses various genres like detective, cowboy, horror, R-rated, or kids' fairy tales, showcasing its versatility as an art form beyond being a single genre.
Ratatouille, known for its profound storytelling and themes, challenges norms with a character who doesn't talk, delves into adult themes like sexism, and focuses on character development over a strict plot, setting a high standard for Pixar's future works.

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Recent questions

What is the main theme of "Ratatouille"?
Passion, creativity, and following dreams.
How does "Ratatouille" differ from other Pixar films?
Focuses on adult themes and realistic storytelling.
Who is the antagonist in "Ratatouille"?
Anton Ego, a food critic driven by ego.
What is the significance of the phrase "anyone can cook" in the movie?
Symbolizes inclusivity and embracing creativity.
How does "Ratatouille" inspire viewers?
Encourages pursuing passions and embracing creativity.

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Art, Passion, and Inspiration in Animation

Animation is not a genre but an art form that can encompass various genres like detective, cowboy, horror, R-rated, or kids' fairy tale films.
The narrator recently graduated with a degree in economics but is now questioning his career path and exploring his passion for creating art.
Despite doubts and fears, the narrator finds inspiration from the support of viewers and friends, realizing the validity of his creative voice.
The narrator expresses a desire to create art and make a difference in the world, acknowledging the doubts that often plague his mind.
The movie "Ratatouille" holds a special place in the narrator's heart, resonating with him on a personal level despite some story problems.
The narrator questions why "Ratatouille" is considered Pixar's magnum opus and explores its profound message about the human condition.
The movie's unique introduction sets a somber tone, contrasting with typical energetic Pixar intros, reflecting the challenges faced by the protagonist, Remy.
Remy's passion for cooking and creating new flavors is showcased through his pursuit of taste sensations and his determination to follow his dreams.
Remy faces consequences for his actions but finds solace in the ghost of Chef Gusteau, who embodies his conscience and desire to create.
The movie's pivotal scene where Remy creates a masterpiece in the kitchen validates his passion and showcases the theme that "anyone can cook."

14:44

Ratatouille: Duo Overcomes Challenges for Success

Skinner gives Linguine another chance to cook the soup, leading to a day of reckoning.
Linguine faces criticism from others who don't appreciate his skills, but some find him hilarious.
Pixar movies often feature main duos, but Ratatouille takes a risk by having one character not talk.
Ratatouille and Bee Movie share similarities in themes and animal-human interactions.
Both movies show protagonists forming relationships with humans despite societal disapproval.
Ratatouille takes a more serious approach compared to Bee Movie, focusing on realistic storytelling.
Linguine and Remy's relationship evolves from distrust to collaboration, showcasing excellent chemistry.
The duo improves their cooking skills through a unique hair-pulling maneuver, leading to success.
Brad Bird's Pixar movies, like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, cater more to adult audiences with thought-provoking themes.
The film delves into adult themes like sexism in the culinary world and the exploitation of a deceased chef's image.

28:31

"Remy's Cooking Quest: A Rat's Art"

Remy improvises a new version of the recipe, guiding Linguine around the kitchen in a dynamic cooking quest.
Colette shuts down Remy's ideas, delivering a subpar version of the recipe until Remy introduces a secret ingredient.
The tension-filled battle of wits between Remy and Colette showcases life or death scenarios without traditional action scenes.
Remy expresses his desire to contribute art to the world, despite his family's disapproval of his behavior as a rat.
Remy's father, Django, tries to discourage Remy from meddling with the human world by showing him traps and poisons.
Remy stands firm in his belief to change the future and improve relations between rats and humans.
Skinner's increasing paranoia regarding Remy's existence leads to a chase scene that feels somewhat out of place.
A montage follows the chase, showing Linguine's success as he is declared king of Gusto's and enjoys a new life.
The movie's pacing and tone resemble an indie film, focusing on character development rather than a strict plot.
Indie films, like "Lady Bird," can capture a year's worth of emotional content in a short runtime due to their focus on character over plot.

42:03

"Ratatouille" Unites Characters Through Cooking Journey

Remy's goal is to cook, and he gets his chance with the soup, completing the goal-based story structure.
Remy starts cooking consistently with Linguine after 55 minutes, deepening the plot beyond the initial goal.
"Ratatouille" focuses on characters living life, encountering struggles, and deepening bonds, deviating from a consistent plot structure.
The movie showcases characters cooking, deepening bonds, and discovering more about each other, creating a unique pacing style.
Anton Ego emerges as the true antagonist, driven by his ego and belief in his culinary authority.
Ego's ego-driven conflicts with Linguine and Remy reach a boiling point, leading to a significant betrayal.
Remy and Linguine reconcile, revealing their true selves and uniting to face challenges together.
The truth about Remy's cooking talent is revealed, leading to a powerful moment of acceptance and recognition.
Colette has an epiphany, embracing Gusto's philosophy that "anyone can cook," including rats like Remy.
Ego's perspective is challenged during a taste test, leading to a transformative moment where he appreciates food purely as a lover, not a critic.

58:24

Pixar fans seek mature, inspiring film.

Pixar fans are seeking a film akin to Ratatouille, rich, mature, and inspiring, evident in the disappointment expressed in the comments section of the teaser trailer for Pixar's upcoming film Seoul.
The trailer initially captivated viewers by portraying an artist pursuing his dreams, but a sudden tonal shift to a funny cowboy dance theme led to backlash, with fans desiring a more adult-oriented film reminiscent of Ratatouille rather than Inside Out.
Ratatouille is hailed as a masterpiece, showcasing Pixar's potential for exceptional storytelling that appeals to both families and film enthusiasts, setting a high standard for the studio's future works.
Despite uncertainties about Pixar's future projects, fans hope for a new magnum opus that surpasses even The Incredibles and Ratatouille, emphasizing the desire for surprises and exceptional cinematic experiences.

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