Coincidentally Inside Out is a film all about emotions - emotions characterised as colourful beings within our mind.
The trailers and spots for Inside Out were fun, but I wasn't wholly convinced. This film appeared to be skewing quite young. On the surface of course, every Pixar film could be approached this way. On reflection however, most Pixar movies will leave you surprised, entertained and even educated!
Inside Out is no different. Eleven year-old Riley is the focus of Docters film and Rileys emotions are the driving force of this tale.
Amy Poehler leads this small group of characters as Joy. Essentially the leader of the group, Joy is joined by Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Anger (Lewis Black), and Fear (Bill Hader).
For years Joy has lead this dynamic quintet in relative harmony. The emotions are colour-coded and Rileys lasting memories are on view in their control centre for all to see. Of course the memories are predominately yellow - the colour of Joy!
Things are set to change however, as we join Riley during the first big upheaval in her life - a big move from the country to the city, on account of her fathers work.
We are subject to the misadventures of each emotion in Rileys mind. Running relatively smoothly at first, but then spiralling out of control.
The inquisitiveness of Sadness gets them all into trouble early on, then in an emotional meltdown of sorts, Joy and Sadness are exiled for a time. The absence of these emotions are evident in Rileys life, as she goes through the motions of starting life afresh.
Joy and Sadness have always been separate entities in Rileys life, but in this adventure they must learn to work as a team!
Navigating the wasteland of long-forgotten memories, Joy and Sadness must return to the control centre in an effort to restore balance to Rileys life. Via abstract thought and the perilous islands of personality, Sadness and Joy must catch the (actual) train of thought, despite the sporadic nature of it's arrival/departure times!
All the aforementioned elements of Rileys mind are expertly realised. On hand to lead Joy and Sadness through Rileys mind is Bing Bong (Richard Kind) - Rileys imaginary friend from old. Perhaps now just another fading memory, but not without his attributes!
Rileys innocence is crumbling away. Along with the other emotions, Joy and Sadness must learn to coexist, even encouraging one another to take a turn at the controls, when the opportunity permits.
Inside Out is a very fine film by Docter - and a great addition to the Pixar stable. The lasting impression is just how incredibly clever it is! Inside Out has some of the best advice and life-lessons to come out of any film, animated or not.
Ultimately life is forever changing. We each experience the same core emotions as Riley (watch the core emotions alter in dynamism slightly within other people). Some obviously fair better at dealing with these emotions, than others.
What Inside Out does is explain to us why. Fundamentally our emotions can be at odds with one another, just as we can with our neighbour. Learn to coexist. Learn to be diplomatic and understanding. Understand no single entity has all the answers, but together - collectively they/we can achieve greatness! It's a great lesson in functionality - both singularly and as a group!
4/5
Poster image courtesy: http://insidetherockposterframe.blogspot.com.au
Found these other great posters during my search. Love the Asian take (Japanese/Chinese)?!
The Cronenberg-esque art by Jeff Victor is pretty awesome too!!
nice one thanks for sharing
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