SOUL is another example of how the Pixar crew know exactly how to not only create a wonderful adventure story but do it with tremendous heart and, well, soul. This new film – releasing Christmas Day – was more relatable to me than most as I watched Joe’s character unfold. In fact many will find his story familiar regardless of whether you are a musician, artist, writer, or fill in the blank with what ever passion you possess. We all were created for a purpose and we are never more satisfied and content than when we are immersed completely in that world. Granted not all of us get to do what we truly love but that does not stop us from living each day to the fullest and remembering that we can always be a light in someone world. In doing that we may discover that what we thought we loved was only the surface of a deeper calling.
There is a lot of humor in this story as we watch Joe (Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher, interact with his students and family. He has longed to be a full time jazz musician, but always seems to be one audition short of reaching his dream. Just as he is offered a more stable career path a door opens up that might finally give him his dream. But of course a freak accident puts an unexpected detour in his path and he finds himself stuck in the “great before” with all the young souls. There he must find his way back to earth with the help of a stubborn little soul (Tina Fey) who just can’t make up her mind what she is called to do.
This movie feels much like the earlier Pixar film, INSIDE OUT. Both written and directed by Pete Docter and each have a special way of tapping into what makes us human. We each have a personality and that thing that makes us us. SOUL is a fun way to explore that theory and open our eyes to what matters in life. It truly is a one of a kind and beautiful endeavor.
The animation department again shows why Pixar films are a breed apart. The depth and clarity of each scene, the attention to details, and authenticity of people, place, and thing stand out in this one to perfection. They had to create two worlds in this one. Joe’s earthly home of New York, and the angelic great before. Each took special care and attention to dimension and lighting. I had a chance to chat with the Director of Photography and encourage you to listen to our conversation to go behind the scenes of creating each world. You can check it out here.
The last 30-minutes of the film do get a tad muddled and feels out of place. But that in no way takes away from the much needed message and fun story told throughout. Rated PG. it is the near perfect film to watch this Holiday with the entire family.
MORE BEHIND THE SCENES INFO BELOW….
As Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” nears its debut on Disney+ on December 25, a new sneak peek of the critically acclaimed feature film is now available. In the movie, Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) is a middle-school band teacher who dreams of playing in the best jazz club in town. Filmmakers found they could relate to the character’s passion for music.
Director Pete Docter grew up in a musical family and plays the double bass. “My folks are both teachers and both musicians,” says Docter. “There are three kids and we all became musicians. I think my mom enjoyed having the Von Trapp family; when people would come over, we’d have to perform. My two sisters stuck with it—one is a cellist with the Metropolitan Opera, and the other one is violist and a teacher.”
Co-director Kemp Powers, who used to be a music writer, played the alto saxophone in a jazz band during high school. His affinity for jazz plays a big role in his personal life. “My son’s name is Mingus,” says Powers. “He’s named after Charles Mingus. A lot of us Gen Xers, particularly Black Gen Xers, fell in love with the bebop-era jazz artists—John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, of course Herbie Hancock. These guys were musical icons that—specifically in New York City—inform so much of the other big musical genre in the city, which is hip hop. The background tunes of my life are jazz and hip hop.”
“Life has so much to offer,” says Joe in the sneak peek. “We only have a short time on this planet. Don’t miss out on the joys of life. Remember to enjoy every minute of it.”
Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” also features the voices of Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Angela Bassett and Daveed Diggs. The film is directed by Docter, co-directed by Powers and produced by Dana Murray. Jazz compositions & arrangements are by globally renowned musician and GRAMMY® nominee Jon Batiste, while Oscar® winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”) composed an original score.
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