Film: Toy Story
Director: John Lasseter
Country: USA
Released: November 1995
Runtime: 81 minutes
Genre: Animation
Studio: Pixar / Walt Disney
Influenced: Brad Bird, Pete Docter, Hayao Miyazaki, Andrew Stanton, Dean DeBlois
Toy Story was the first feature-length film created entirely with computer-generated animation (CGI) and set a new Hollywood standard for animation, showcasing the potential of the technology. The film was initially planned as a half-hour TV special but, as the story developed, it became evident that it deserved a feature-length treatment. Likewise, Toy Story's budget ballooned from an initial estimate of $17mn to around $30mn, causing financial concerns for Pixar. Fortunately, Disney stepped in to provide the additional funding to complete the project. The initial script for Toy Story underwent multiple revisions and was originally much darker in tone. Woody was first conceived as a mean-spirited ventriloquist dummy, and Buzz was initially meant to be a serious-minded tin toy, but the two characters were transformed into a happy-go-lucky cowboy and a delusional space ranger, respectively.
The story revolves around a group of toys owned by a young boy named Andy. When Andy is not around, these toys, led by Woody the Cowboy (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), come to life. Conflict arises when Buzz, who believes he's a real space ranger, and Woody, who is Andy's favourite toy, vie for Andy's attention. In an attempt to regain his status as Andy's favourite toy, Woody accidentally knocks Buzz out of the window. The other toys turn against Woody for what they believe is a deliberate act. Outside the house, the two are forced to overcome their differences to work together and return home after being separated from Andy during a move. Along their journey, Woody and Buzz face numerous challenges and dangers, including encounters with a sadistic young neighbour named Sid and a claw machine in a pizza restaurant. The film climaxes with a thrilling chase involving Woody, Buzz and a moving truck.
Pixar's innovative use of RenderMan, a 3D rendering software, played a pivotal role in achieving the film's realistic look. The film used advanced techniques for rendering textures, lighting and character animation, setting the stage for a CGI arms. As well as the animation, two other aspects that make Toy Story such a well-loved film are the dialogue and the music. Two of my favourite characters are Hamm, the sarcastic piggy bank, known for his witty one-liners such as, "You heard of Kung Fu? Well, get ready for pork chop!", and the nervous T-Rex called Rex, whose self-doubt and anxiety ("I just don't think I can take that kind of rejection!") provide comic relief throughout the film. It's also a lovely progression to see how Buzzy's catchphrase, "To infinity & beyond!", evolves by the end of the movie into, "To Woody... and beyond!", underscoring Toy Story's key themes of friendship, loyalty and belonging.
Randy Newman was brought on board to compose the music for Toy Story, and his score is a blend of catchy, whimsical tunes and emotionally resonant compositions. The film's most iconic song is You've Got a Friend in Me, which Newman composed and performed, and which captures the essence of the friendship between Woody and Buzz. Toy Story was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $373mn worldwide and receiving three Oscar nominations: Best Original Song, Best Original Score and a Special Achievement Award for its groundbreaking animation. The film also received a Special Achievement Award at the Golden Globe Awards. Toy Story marked the beginning of a highly successful franchise that includes three sequels (so far) and TV specials, and the films remains a beloved classic that at the same time has revolutionised the animation industry.
Comments