5. Because Each Narrative Has Roots In Empathy
Anyone can cook. A Pixar film has empathy for every single character. Every last one. Indeed, each film is an exercise in finding a root of empathy in something outlandish or inhuman. From fish to machines to old people, Pixar films explore easily ignored facets of the world and find riches of humanity to be shared with an audience. The modus operandi of a Pixar film is to find the kernel of shared humanity amongst even the most freakish and/or despicable. Yes, even critics. Thats not to say that Pixar films dont have villains. Of course they do. From a fascist grasshopper to a homicidal fanboy, Pixars films are loaded with monstrous figures that spread misery and anguish. And also sometimes hugs. But mostly the misery and anguish. But what Pixar never loses sight of is the idea that even a bad person is still a person. Even Hopper in A Bug's Life is allowed moments where he is not a scowling villain but an exhausted and annoyed older brother. And while few in the audience can say that they are reptilian monsters harvesting the fear of children, who hasnt had an annoying and over-achieving co-worker or classmate that theyd like to see taken down a peg? And isnt that a great lesson to impart to children and remind parents of? Acknowledging the humanity of even the most inhuman is a value that even, sometimes
especially, adults need to take stock of. So while we can hate Syndrome, we must also accept that he exists because of the actions of the hero. And while we fear Darla on behalf of Nemo and the rest of the fish, we also understand her, because what kid hasnt tapped on the glass? Pixar allows us to experience the world through a fantastical lens, but it is always seeking the potential for humanity beneath.