Why Ratatouille is Pixar's Magnum Opus

Schaffrillas Productions2 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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