Pete Docter
Up

The viewing of "Up," a animated film by director Pete Docter, produced by Pixar, left me with a feeling of deep discomfort, a sensation that, alas, is no longer new to me, confirming itself view after view, in the most recent animation masterpieces. I must clarify that although I have seen quite a few, let's say the most famous ones, I am not a fanatic of cartoons or animation, so my approach is not meant to be technical but purely emotional, a gut feeling.

I have now resigned myself to the dominance of modern animation made with computers. Although I find it less fascinating and imaginative than the "drawn" kind, I must recognize that it is nice to see what can be done with the most advanced animation programs. Having said that, I will immediately shift the subject to the reason for my discomfort. The film tells the adventures of a tender old man who, having become a widow with no children, decides to "resolve" the promise made to his dear wife, a passionate explorer, by heading to the lands of South America in search of Paradise Falls, piloting his house suspended in the air by countless balloons. Joining him in this endeavor are a friendly young explorer, a dog, and a hilarious bird that will become the reason for a battle between Good and Evil.

Brilliant idea! Romance galore. Yet the film, although full of funny ideas and gags, really starts off badly by depicting images of human decay that are truly too much for a film primarily aimed at children. To melancholic background notes, the film paints (in gray) the first 10 minutes, presenting us with the "rise & fall" of this poor protagonist who, in order: discovers love, gets married, finds out he cannot have children, becomes a widower, and is finally threatened by cruel real estate contractors. Really too much! I'm sorry, but despite the following incredible adventures, the witty dialogues with the animals and the boy, the film cannot tip the balance upward again. Nor does it have that final twist capable of sweeping away such intense desolation of the heart, which is, truly, the only strong image the film manages to leave. Specifically, "Up" reminded me a lot of the shock I had when watching "Bridge to Terabithia," another children's film that, I can assure, had a devastating effect on the minors in the theater.

Now, I don't know, maybe it's me who no longer understands the pedagogical purpose of these films. One might say that these are not meant precisely for children but rather for an adult audience. But then? Is it I who am too sensitive? Because, if I decide to watch an animated film, I have the presumption to expect a movie that still respects the canons of the happy ending and balance in the storyline? Again: why is it that in this modern animation, the starting reality in films is always so real, that the fantastical construction can no longer detach us for at least the duration of a film?

For these questions, I cannot give a rating.