For decades, animations have been wrongly pigeonholed as entertainment exclusively for children. This perception has been challenged by works that demonstrate that animations can address complex and profound themes, resonating with both adults and young people. Series like Rick and Morty explore philosophical and scientific concepts with acidic and dark humor, while feature films like Anomaly of Charlie Kaufman They delve into the human psyche and the complexities of adult life, breaking down the idea that animation is just for kids.
This time, we are going to break down the phenomenon behind Intensely (Inside Out), a film that, although not strictly for adults, can be appreciated by all ages. Pixar, the studio responsible for this work, has perfected the art of creating stories that operate on multiple levels, offering a rich and multifaceted experience for different audiences simultaneously. Through a detailed analysis of its plot, the meticulous research process and the emotions that were left in the pipeline, we will explore why Intensely has been hailed not only as one of the studio’s best films, but also as a moving and precise exploration of human emotions.
The recognition of animation as a legitimate form of cinema has been championed by influential figures in the industry. Director Guillermo del Toroknown for his work in The Pan’s Labyrinth and Pinocchiohas been a constant defender of animation. Del Toro has declared: ““Animation is cinema, animation is not a genre and it is ready to go to the next level, please keep it in the conversation.”
His perspective underscores the importance of appreciating the depth and potential of animation, something that Intensely exemplifies perfectly.
Pete Docterdirector of the feature film, began to develop the idea for this film even before working on Monsters Inc.where he also led the project. Doctor She has expressed on several occasions that the idea arose from observing her daughter’s personality changes, from when she was a baby to becoming an older girl. However, at first he wasn’t sure what story he wanted to tell. It was not until years later that, during a walk, the idea occurred to him: the project would focus on the very opposite and at the same time so necessary relationship of Happiness and Sadness.
Following this inspiration, enormous work began. So much Doctor like the animators and creative team behind the film, they spent years studying and researching everything related to the human psyche. They consulted dozens of psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and other experts. Thanks to this extensive research, in Intensely Topics such as long-term memory, personality islands, train of thought, dream production, and much more are explored.
On several occasions, Pete Docter He has expressed that the film was not an imitation of the mind, but rather his interpretation of it: “The film takes place in the mind, not in the brain. We were very specific from the beginning. We didn’t want blood vessels. The mind is metaphorical. We imagine our thought processes, memories and feelings.” This vision allowed the creators to shape an inner world that, although based on science, feels wonderfully imaginative and accessible.
On the other hand, Daniel Hollandthe film’s art director (known for his work on toy story 4 and The Incredibles), revealed what his references were when conceiving the visual: “We are inspired by shapes: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the cells seen under the microscope. It’s true that everything is very cartoonish, but we wanted to start from somewhere that made sense.”
During production, 27 emotions were initially considered for the first feature film, including surprise, love and optimism, among others. However, they finally decided to simplify them to the five that we saw on the screen: Happiness, Sadness, Gonna, Disgust and Fear. This decision to focus on a small number of emotions allowed the creators to delve deeper into the dynamics between them and more effectively explore the complexity of human emotional experiences.
Regarding the characters, in some documentaries, the designers expressed how they associated Happiness with bright flashes along with exaggerated and elastic movements. In contrast, characters like Rage are characterized by rigid movements, while Sadness It was conceived with the idea of a tear, which is reflected in its slow and dragging movements.
The animators’ work involved the creation of two different worlds. On the one hand, the real world of Riley, where everything had to be realistic: from the spaces and textures to the movements in hockey. On the other hand, there was the world of emotions, where the characters are characterized by cartoonish movements and exaggerated expressions. Here, the animators were inspired by classic animations and hired several artists from DisneyToon Animation (known for works such as Tinker Bell and Goofy) to capture that nostalgic aesthetic.
As we reflect on this feature film, it invites us to reconsider the power of animations as a medium that not only entertains, but also educates and provokes reflection. This film reminds us of the vital importance of mental health and how our emotions, even the most difficult ones like sadness, are fundamental to our emotional well-being and personal development. The next time you enjoy an animated film, I encourage you to not only immerse yourself in the story superficially, but also allow yourself to explore the deeper layers that may resonate with your own emotional experience. In a world where the power of animated cinema is often underestimated, Intensely shows us that it can be a powerful vehicle for empathy, understanding, and personal growth.
Currently, we can enjoy Inside Out 2 in the cinema, where we will accompany Riley as they enter adolescence, facing new challenges and emotions.
