day 40 - Up

OK film fans, with the Oscars rapidly approaching I realize that I have been woefully derelict in my duties of keeping abreast of the nominated films. Just a few days ago I ranted about the Best Picture category being expanded from five to ten films. I honestly had no intention of reviewing the films I consider as benefiting from the new expansion, but after a lively debate about the merits of animation and its place in this category I decided to see what all the fuss was about.

Up is a spectacular example of the strengths of animated films, a robust exploration of hilarity, cleverness and a sense of purpose not found often in this genre. It tells a vivid, sweeping story that neither panders to children nor tells a story centered on their experiences. Instead it begins with two young children, Carl and Ellie, both followers of a globetrotting explorer. In the common interest of adventure a spark is ignited and, in one of the most adept and beautifully thought out montages I can remember, we see the progression of their lives through marriage, a first house, goals set and altered by life, a heartbreaking discovery and into old age. Rarely has a montage so effortlessly and succinctly summed up the passage of life.

But this is where the story actually begins. In his old age Carl's home, now a shrine to beloved wife, is in danger with "progress" closing in around him. As an old, retired balloon salesman, Carl makes the decision to follow a lifelong dream, a promise made to his wife when they were kids, to visit the land made famous by their explorer hero: Paradise Falls. After rigging his house with balloons Carl does just that. Just after he begins his new journey Carl realizes he has company on his floating house. A naive young wilderness boy named Russell, who has been pestering him in an effort to earn a badge for assisting the elderly, was on the porch as Carl was beginning his adventure.

This sets up one of the oldest formulas in Hollywood, the buddy film. This incarnation has a bit of a twist though, especially for an animated film where characters and storylines are normally directed towards children. Here, Carl is the focus of the film and Russell is not a "wiser than the adults" kid, he is simply a kid along for the ride, occasionally sharing the truths of life seen so clearly through the eyes of children. Without charting the course of the film I'll simply say that it provides a roller coaster ride of thrills in the Indiana Jones vein. It is both touching and funny, lighthearted and heartfelt. Ultimately, it extols the importance remembering that the Spirit of Adventure, which gave your life meaning as a youth, does not extinguish with age.

In my conversation today I argued vehemently against the inclusion of animated films in the Best Picture category. As wonderful, delightful and creative as this film is, I am still unwilling to reverse my stance. This is a great film, but it still feels, first and foremost, like a children's film. It deals with mature topics of life and loss in a manner not seen often in this genre. But these topics are commonplace in truly notable dramas. The film that came to mind shortly after the first act is the tremendous About Schmidt, starring Jack Nicholson, a funny, sad and honest look at a man whose wife passes away just after he's retired. Without his wife or a job he finds himself relearning who he is and what he wants, discovering he has no idea about either one. While lacking the buddy film aspect, it is a more realistic film directed squarely at adult viewers who will understand the emotional depth of the film. If you have seen Up think about the ending of the film and then compare it with the scene, in these two clips (one, two), from About Schmidt. See what I mean?

Up is a glorious example of an animated film breaking from the norm and exploring more complex themes. However, this is where dramas live and breathe. Welcome to the big leagues and may the Best Picture win.