Thanks for the article, Jim!   I can see how audiences might find the darker tone of this film a little jarring.   Especially given the story elements you've mentioned above.    I still have faith in Pixar's storytelling and reserve judgement until I've seen the finished film.  

Jim and JHM readers,

John Lasseter himself will tell you that, at some point, EVERY film Pixar has worked one could be considered the absolutely worst movie ever made -- IF it were to be released as they've seen it.

The beauty of Pixar's films comes from that fine-tuning of story -- from getting the director, the brain trust and the story team together, screening the footage and being honest about what works and what doesn't and creatively addressing the issues.

It comes from Ed, John, Steve and every artistic-minded staffer standing up to Disney over "Toy Story 2" and saying ... "the film's not good enough, we can't deliver it" and then busting their tails to not only "make it good enough," but to deliver one of the rare sequels that's every bit (and some would say better) than the original.

As someone with a deep interest in animation, I've read or heard about some problems in just about every Pixar feature -- from minor scenes to major plot points, from characters that didn't quite gel for assorted reasons. Both "Toy Story 2" and "Ratatouille" were nearly complete overhauls with the clock ticking.

The reason the studio and its artists have my respect is because it's so evident when you watch any Pixar film, that they care, that they know they're working on timeless treasures that will entertain families and generations yet to come.

Not only do they "trust the process," thanks to the late Joe Ranft, they "understand and respect that process." They keep hammering away until they get it right -- or as close to perfect as they can.

I simply wish more adults would really take a hard look at Pixar's films, judge them against the best Hollywood offers us every year -- LIVE ACTION or animated. Realize just how special, how creative the team at Pixar is and then appreciate the talents who so richly entertain us.

What matters most is the full-blown worldwide released film -- not the numerous work-in-progress screenings in-house or versions screened for test audiences.

I like that it is depressing. Possibly, if the ending is completely tragic, they can fix it up to include a nice little ending without compromising the storyline too much to the point that it becomes too P.C.

Granted, its Disney that we're talking about, but lest we not forget BAMBI?!! Mother dies and its sad sorta, and then in the end, the main character prospers and there's a happy ending. Maybe if they worked harder to provide that nice little happy tag.

I think it was great how they used the song, "Brazil" for the commercials. It implies a somewhat tragic but lighthearted story. By the way, watch the classic, "Brazil" by Terry Gilliam. It's wonderful.

Amen, mnmears! I think the reason some of us Disney fans sometimes get protective of Pixar films is exactly the reason you put forth, that the quality of their films is leaps-and-bounds above the garbage Hollywood puts out between January and October (before Oscar season). Hopefully Wall-E is another home-run!

Honestly, the "Finding Nemo" I saw was pretty bad. Its definitely my least favorite of Pixar's canon.

I'm really looking forward to "WALL*E" though. I like darker stories and settings, so if thats the only thing people are complaining about, I say bring it on and don't release an inferior picture because of it.

It's interesting that Disney animation has also had the benefit of test screening responses, yet didn't produce a final product which matched Pixar's. So does that mean Pixar is more disciplined to change what doesn't work? Or that there wasn't as much questionable material in the first place?  

Add: I've got my fingers crossed that they fix the "message". If there's one thing guaranteed to annoy it's slap in the face morality plays critiquing my lifestyle efficiency from multimillionare creative artists on contract to multinational corporations.

Rufus,

I think Pixar's simply been more disciplined to change what doesn't work under Ed and John's creative culture. To some extent, Pixar works a bit to educate the non-creative support staff about the creative process so that when an artist says he needs more time or money, there's more of an understanding that they're all on the same team -- all working toward a similar, singular goal of creating a timeless classic.

I believe that Ed and John are trying to establish a similar culture -- a throwback to their university experiences where everyone helped one another -- at Disney Feature Animation. It's been reported that most of those working at Disney Feature Animation are more optimistic and hopeful than they've been in decades. Floyd Norman can tell you a lot more about that than I can.

Now, as to your fear of a "message" movie. I don't necessarily see anything wrong with it. There's been a message of some sort in every one of Pixar's films -- from "Toy Story" to "Ratatouille" -- just look for it.

"Finding Nemo" has a message for adults about learning to let go and trust their young -- and that message provides much of the story's heart. It's part of what makes "Nemo" an emotionally moving picture -- and coupled with the sheer beauty of the undersea world -- a good part of the reason for its universal appeal and box office performance.

I appreciate films that leave me thinking, even when I might not agree with the filmmaker's point of view. I'm not so closed on most issues that I can't consider one's opposing viewpoint. I'm a First Amendment proponent -- I may not agree with what you've got to say, but I'll defend your right to say it and see how it holds up in the marketplace of ideas.

I've been watching the magnificent BBC series Planet Earth on Blu-Ray -- the environmental message is there, along with several others including one validating "survival of the fittest" as nature's way. Its environmental message isn't as blatant as Al Gore's somewhat dry "Inconvenient Truth" (where I thought the best bits were the quiet moments of Gore simply talking and not necessarily about global warming), but it's there nonetheless.

I suspect (or at least hope) the environmental message in "Wall-E" will be a bit more uplifting than the Bruce Dern sci-fi film "Silent Running," a hit in the 1970s.

Still, I'm not turned off by some environmental message and some entertaining warning that we should move our bodies or risk a life in some hovering lounge chair. I believe that there are things we can and should be doing for our health and as stewards of all the gifts God has given us. There's nothing wrong with being challenged to examine who we are and what we're doing (or not) to make some small difference in the lives of others or the planet.

And, there's nothing wrong with children considering these questions ... they're the ones inheriting this big blue marble in space ... and hopefully they're talking about recycling, global warming and other issues at school.

Great article, Jim!  The thing that bothered me about the article is that you were talking about the screening that Eisner saw in 2001, and the movie came out in 2003.  If "WALL-E" has problems now, then they only have about 6 months or less to fix them (unless they started fixing things a while ago).  The two situations don't seem too comparable.  

But, I enjoyed reading the little tidbits on "Finding Nemo", and I'm excited to see "WALL-E"!

I am sure Michael Eisner reminded everyone in the room that he was responsible for the tv sereis "Happy Days" 25 years earlier....

"Nemo" was a win, win situation for Eisner. If the film was a hit, that meant more money for Disney. If it failed, Michael gained leverage at the bargaining table with Jobs.

Truth is, "Nemo" went through the same development process any animated film goes through. Being a film executive, Eisner knew Pixar was over due for a stumble, and he wanted to be the "genius" who predicted it. Which is great - - except that he was dead wrong.

Here's a tip. If you want to know how a film's story is tracking, ask an old story guy - - not a bean counter.

I suspect these are very different situations.  From what Jim described, Nemo had problems with characterization and storytelling - those are fixable.  Wall E has problems with its ENTIRE PREMISE.  You can't really fix that - only junk it and start over.

I just hope, depending on how dark WALL-E is (really, this sounds like the most ambitious animated film in YEARS), that Disney doesn't wimp out the way 20th Century Fox did on Mike Judge's Idiocracy.

If WALL-E turns out to be more controversial than the average Pixar film, so long as they don't get any calls from the PC police, then this may be another wake-up call that the masses need.

Great article Jim! I actually don't pay any attention to what people say at test screenings. Or what I read on the internet that people are saying. Every animated film goes through this. Just look at any of the double DVD's that Disney has released. I just hope they fix whatever they need to fix before the premier date. Remember that Walt was makeing changes to Snow White right up to what was it? 48 hours before it's scheduled premier at the Carthay Circle Theatre.

Haha, Buttermaker, that made me laugh out loud.

As for the "message" of WALL*E, I think its incredibly timely, considering LiveEarth and the current "greening" trend. And that's amazing to me -- assuming that Pixar started working on this 4 years ago. I swear...they are always in the right place at the right time.  On the other hand, I wouldnt be surprised if Disney gets around to releasing a Tween-Green movie on Disney Channel sometime in 2012.

And, on a Pixar-related note, does anybody have more info about that photo of UP artwork that was up on Pixar Planet this week? Is that concept art? Because it looked like it was traditional animation.  I know John L. has alluded to the possibility of Pixar doing hand-drawn and I was wondering if this was going to be their first attempt???

Good article Jim, thanks.

Isn't the purpose of these screenings to find out what's wrong with the film and then fix it? I think I'd be more worried if it seemed 'perfect' right out of the box. Creating anything, including art, is a process of trial and error. Considering Pixar's track record with their finished product, I have no reason to believe they won't fix whatever needs fixing. Methinks whomever is 'worried' about the early film version they saw is either A) trying to stir the pot, or B) doesn't really understand the process of making films (or anything else).

I'm not worried.

In regards to the message concerns... are we really that thin skinned and possibly PC'd to the max that we complain about a movie with a positive message?

If we are concluding that one of the 'messages' of this movie is that if humanity doesn't watch out and change some of its ways, we will end up as incapacitated wastes of space... how can ANYONE have a problem with that? Honestly!

If someones lifestyle makes them feel abit squeamish when a subject gets brought up... guess what? It's probably because you yourself are at least slightly aware that you are heading down that bad path to some degree. Don't ignore it! Use that info and make a positive change.

Just like with this movie... if you don't point out what's wrong, you have no hope of fixing it! I firmly believe the saying, "If you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem."

Three cheers for Pixar having the guts to say something!

I COMPLETELY agree with captainhook91, NoMonsterLines and everybody who said that using the mainstream cinema as a loudspeaker for telling such important truths is a politics to be proud of! Personally I am profoundly disapointed with the humanity and this world in general. One of the few beautiful things I see is the nature and we are about to destry it along with ourselves.

As for the film itself, it's one of my most anticipated films this year because I'm totally in love with the title character, with the story and the messages and with the dark tone of the whole picture. I really truly hope they don't ruin it before it's completed! It would be such an enormous lost...

"Honestly, the "Finding Nemo" I saw was pretty bad. Its definitely my least favorite of Pixar's canon."

Great to see I'm not the only one!

Frankly, even if Eisner were talking about the final Finding Nemo product, I'd agree with him, it's Pixar's worst film hands down and not very good either.

For one, it pretty much copies Toy Story. Two mismatched buddies go on an epic(and episodic) adventure to find a kid. Does anyone find it funny how Pixar has gotten away with this formula each and every time(minus Bird's films) and not have 1 person complain, yet when Brother Bear comes to theatres people whine how it's too similar to Brother Bear when both have NOTHING IN COMMON!

Then, the target audience is so juvenile. The thing people usually comment on Pixar(and for the most part agree) is that their films are targeted to kids and adults  with jokes aimed at both. There was not one time Nemo made me feel that. I thought the story was something adults could enjoy. I actually thought of it as nothing more but a well done PBS show.

Speaking of t.v., did I mention how episodic it is? Talk about a lousy story. It was like watching 5-7 short episodes of a "Finding Nemo t.v. show".

Of course that's nothing in comparison to the repetitive jokes Dory makes. The only actual "jokes" are her memory lost jokes which get painfully old the first 5 minutes, and fail to make you laugh multiple times. I mean just write a bunch of "Who are you" "What are you talking about" or "Let's find (insert name that rhymes with Nemo)" jokes and walla, you have a movie called "Finding Nemo".  Buzz and Mike had jokes that ranged from everywhere and didn't repeat the same note over and over. Speaking of Buzz, did you notice Dory is a copy of Buzz in addition to being a "wacky sidekick" she has a memory problem just like Buzz's mental problem(thinking he was real) like in the original.

The fact this mess got nominated for "Best Original Screenplay" is just sad beyond belief. Toy Story and The Incredibles were at least well-written. Overall, it's watchable compared to say, trash like Gigli or Dukes of Hazard, but imo, it's a very poorly written story and certainly doesn't deserve it's 98% on Rotten Tomatoes or it's status as Disney's #1 grossing animated film.

Now to Wall-E, I think this idea is cool actually. I love robots, and the idea is original and interesting looking. Hope it's great.

First off, where is Jim and who is the person writing this column?!? Now Jim is writing positive Pixar columns?? Is today April Fools day?

Just kidding (sort of). I do appreciate it though.

Second. I will NEVER second guess Pixar. After hearing the concepts for almost ALL of their movies, I thought they would ALL be lame. Monsters scaring children? LAME  Cars as the main characters? LAME  Etc, etc, etc.

BUT all of their movies to date have been amazing!!

With that kind of track record, I put my faith in Pixar.

xawesomexelix, I saw the film BRAZIL too! I thought the song fitted perfectly with the WALL-E trailer. If you haven't seen BRAZIL, rent it people! Its the best Terry Gilliam film. (Speaking of Gilliam, I really hope he can finish THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS, regardless if Heath Ledger, one of my favorite actors, passed away. "The show must go on," especially if is a movie.)

Anyway, I hope they don't do any stupid changes to WALL-E. Its dark setting and strong message were the things that really attracted me to the film. (Oh, and the cute robot too.) What I find very interesting about it is that its a satire, a sci-fi inspired by the space adventure movies of the 1970s and 80s, and its a departure for Pixar. Only Pixar is willing to do something dark, different, and thought-provoking compared to most animation studios nowadays. I wouldn't be surprised if Pixar makes a mature film for adult audiences.

I trust Pixar. If they make any changes, they'd basically would have to rework WALL-E completely, which would delay the movie for a year or more. Like I said, I hope they stay with the plot and settings.

"yet when Brother Bear comes to theatres people whine how it's too similar to Brother Bear when both have NOTHING IN COMMON!"

What?!:D

@Timon/Pumbaa fan:

There are no "mis-matched buddies" in 'A Bug's Life' or 'Monsters, Inc.' (they are actaully very compatible best friends, a very different thing) or 'Cars' (it's *not* a buddy film, even if Lightning finds a best friend)

Dory is *nothing* like Buzz.  Buzz's comedy comes from his lack of awareness of his reality, not short-term memory loss.  These are different things and if you had an iota of discerning observation in you, you'd see they're not even remotely similar.

Now, I understand that not every film (no matter how beloved of the rest of the world) will have its detractors.  But, even if you didn't like it, doesn't the 98% rating and Academy Award nomination tell you *anything*?  Like maybe you should re-think your take on the film?

Thought not.  But it was worth a try.

On another note, I too was surprised by Jim's tone in this article (basically saying "give Pixar the benefit of the doubt"), since he does so so rarely.  I knew all the backstage stuff already, but it was good to see it in context of a prediction of doom.  Thanks to Jim for that.

But I am concerned about this film being too "preachy".  It's a difficult line to walk, between trying to get a message across and hitting people over the head with it.  I trust that "Wall-E" will be entertaining (it's Pixar), but I'm not so sure they can stay on the right side of this one.  It's too easy, when one has a seminal film like "Nemo" behind you, to take overcoming those doomsayers too much to heart and just assume that you'll be fine.  Hopefully, this will not be the case and we don't have another "Happy Feet" on our hands.

Good article, Jim.  Though as others have noted, WALL-E is only half a year from being released, so any big changes are going to have to be made quickly.

With that said, I'm not too concerned about the film being too preachy.  Pixar always seems to handle issues like this with an excellent sense of humor.  I don't think it will  a meaningless, throwaway message, but at the same time, I don't expect it to be preachy.  Ratatouille ended with a considerable critique of critics, yet all of the critics loved it.  Rather than finding Ego's monologue to be bashing them, most seemed to think it reaffirmed their role in the artistic process.  Pixar brilliantly toed the line.  Granted, I use a Brad Bird film and not an Andrew Stanton film as an example, but Pixar is so talented across the board that I think it still applies.

Every film struggles in production.  I've rarely heard of a great film--especially at Disney--that hasn't faced any sort of creative or logistical obstacles.  Mediocre and bad films are the ones made by people that either can't overcome them said obstacles or don't acknowledge them in the first place.

Very interesting article Jim.

My comments though, are more aimed at the discussion that's been going on.

I guess I'm in the minority as a Disney fan, but I feel like Pixar's films have been somewhat hit or miss in my opinion. Films like Toy Story, Monster's Inc., and especially The Incredibles are absolute genius, but on the flip side I've always thought  A Bug's Life, Cars, and even Ratatouille were somewhat "meh" Now, a "meh" Pixar film is still better than 80-90% of films put out by mainstream Hollywood, but I do think that Pixar tends to get overprotected sometimes. All that being said, Wall*E really does look good. I'm looking foward to seeing it.

"Hopefully, this will not be the case and we don't have another "Happy Feet" on our hands".

Yeah, we wouldn't want it to be a creative, fun, entertaining motion picture, that makes almost $400 million... and picks up the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.

Hey Shakeman73,

Maybe you should re-think your take on the film?

Thought not. But it was worth a try.

Timon/Pumbaa fan: I don't agree with your "take" on Nemo , but not being a total Pixie, I respect your opinion...and don't feel the need to insult you. Cheers!

@ Bobbydafan:

Pleased re-read my post.  I never mentioned the quality of "Happy Feet".

Successful or not, good or not, you can't deny that "Happy Feet" *is* preachy.

*That* was the point I was making.

And, for the record, I don't think I was being insulting, either.

@ Bobbydafan:

If you'd take a moment to re-read my post, you'll see that I never brought up the question of "Happy Feet's" quality or success.  I mentioned it in the context of preachiness.

Successful or not, of high quality or not, you can't honestly deny that "Happy Feet" *is* preachy.

And, for the record, I respect people's opinions when they are based in reality.  If Timon/Pumbaa fan had issues with the film that were backed by facts, I'd respectfully disagree and that's all.  But his comments were without merit, as they don't actually correlate to reality.

Much like yours.

Oops, two different responses and they both went up!

Oh, poopie!

If there's one thing that's occasionally disappointed me about Pixar, and Andrew Stanton's flicks in particular, it's that they sometimes seem to go for the tame and fuzzy, being too afraid to be more biting or satirical when it would have given their film a nice edge. Toy Story and The Incredibles are their best precisely because there's a bit of emotional grit underlying them (Ratatouille works for what it is as a light and frothy fable, and that's fine). Like some of the others here, I wasn't blown away by "Nemo" either; I thought it was a bit too treacly and juvenile at times.

These descriptions of test screenings always depress me, because it seems like people react negatively to every teensy little bit of moral ambiguity or premise that isn't thoroughly upbeat. Is the very idea of a satirical post-environmental world too much for people to take? Really? Because I'd prefer it if the creative types could stand their ground and make the movie that they need to make, not the movie that will avoid challenging or disturbing superficial mall-dwellers. Sometimes we NEED a movie to give us a little jab. That's not bad storytelling, it's exactly what art should be doing.

Wall-E's going to be a MASSIVE hit for Pixar at this point. MASSIVE. No question. If there was any ambiguity to the success of Cars and Ratatouille (Hi, Jim!) it was because people were a little dodgy about the premises of those flicks. But they went to see them anyway, because they trust Pixar. In Wall-E, however, they have a premise that people genuinely want to see to begin with. I mean, it's R2-D2: the Movie. Who wouldn't want to see that, regardless of who was making it? Combine that with the brand loyalty to Pixar and you've got the makings of a smash hit. There's no need to blandify it to get people into the theater. Wall-E could be "Idiocracy 2" and end with a five minute sequence in which the Pixar staff walks out, points at the audience, and laughs before rolling around in a giant vat of money. It would still make $200 million dollars without breaking a sweat.

WAA  Hoooooo  !!