Creating an emotional impact without dialogue: the case study of Pixar's 'Up' (2009)

Abstract

"In every art form it is the emotional content that makes the difference between mere technical skill and true art."  (Thomas and Johnston 1984, p 473)   The essay explores the relationship between form and meaning in animated feature film, focusing in particular on the ways in which emotional impact can be achieved without using dialogue.   It analyses 'Married Life', the opening sequence from Pixar's Up (2009) to demonstrate how different aspects of mis-en-scene are carefully constructed to convey both explicit and implicit meanings, and to invite an emotional response in the viewer.