02 Mar Good Chemistry: The Story of Elemental (2023)
Combustable
This is a companion film to “Elemental’, being more of less the story of the director/writer’s life and how it influenced that animated project. It is a charming piece, done well; clearly, Pixar talent was behind how it was themed and assembled.
I am a sucker for stories like this, double-generational adversity where the first generation obstructs the second, and both flourish. The artist in this case is a charming fellow, his story is heartwarming, and the visits to his childhood make it real and dear.
Elsewhere I commented on ‘Elemental’. I found it a terrific piece of cinema, more on the cinema side than the story side. Here, I will tell you that this was a worthwhile experience as well. But it had the effect of lowering the value of ‘Elemental’ for me.
You see, I make a commitment to open my soul if I think it safe. So a film can turn into a very personal experience for me. Generally, if I put a three (out of three) on a film, it is because it have navigated its way into my future self.
Regardless of how the film got to me, and who made it and for what reason, I emboss my own self. Now here is a somewhat equally effective story that takes that away. ‘Elemental’ in my world now becomes his movie, his experience and life, not mine.
It is a gentle taking, and I give willingly. But the textures in ‘Elemental’ mattered to me. I might have incorporated them into the user interface for the remainder of my life’s work. I still may, but without owning them.
Posted in 2024
Ted’s Evaluation — 3 of 3: Worth watching.
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