ASSIGNMENT #6 - Animation Deconstruction

Here are two still images from Disney Pixar's WALL-E:

The first still image depicts the robot named WALL-E in a post-apocalyptic planet Earth. This is quite apparent because of clever use of Color and Lighting.

The scene uses a monochromatic color scheme. By using shades of brown, it is apparent that the Earth has been rendered uninhabitable because of the humans’ careless treatment of the environment. The drabby environment is further emphasized by the exclusion of hues such as green, which represents life on Earth. The brightness is not particularly brilliant, also emphasizing a sad and lonely Earth. The saturation is more neutral than vivid. Lighting plays an important role in this screen capture. The stark contrast between sunlit areas of the character’s body and the shaded areas lead to valid assumptions about the environment. It is apparent that, because of global warming, the ozone layer has been dramatically affected. Even though thick smog engulfs the planet, ultraviolet rays still pierce through with great strength. All of this contributes the symbolism of “where we are headed”. It is no surprise that many people who view the film see it as a  statement of environmental activism. Further symbolism can be concluded by the lighting’s focus on WALL-E. It draws attention to his sad expression, even though he does not actually have a “face”. This also can be said about the mood of the Earth scenes--it’s a sad, gloomy world, and it’s “all our fault”.

The second still image depicts WALL-E and his romantic interest EVE inside a giant human spacecraft. This image presents a bold contrast to the shot.

There is no real color scheme in this setting. Bright advertisements of all hues give the appearance of consumerism having taken over human life. However, there does seem to be an emphasis on blue. This could be because blue represents water, and this spacecraft can support life while Earth cannot. The colors are all bright and saturated, giving the setting a vivid and lively mood. There are minimal shadows because sources of artificial light are abundant. The overall symbolism and mood are apparent. It is obvious that the artists wanted a stark contract to the dying Earth. They want to show that humans, despite their treatment of Earth, can be happy anywhere as long as they can indulge in their consumerist and careless ways. It is an ironic way to show that we truly do believe that “ignorance is bliss”.