Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo

Written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, & David Reynolds

Directed by Andrew Stanton

Accompanying Short: Knick Knack (1989)

Written & Directed by John Lasseter

I recall that Finding Nemo is the first Pixar film that I recognized the streak of success that Pixar was having. I was working at a movie theater at the time, and I got to see firsthand just how popular this film was when it was released. It was around this time that I began to hear about how Pixar had yet to have a flop; every film of theirs had been a critical and commercial success. This obviously wouldn’t last, but at the time, I really began to recognize what a powerhouse in animation Pixar was becoming. I didn’t see Finding Nemo until it was released on DVD, and I immediately fell in love with it. This viewing was, strangely, the first time I’ve seen it in about 10 years (or longer), but I was just as entranced as I was the first time I saw it.

Frustration and comedy abound in Knick Knack

Attached to this film was the short Knick Knack, another early, 80’s-era Pixar short. It feels at this point that Pixar is in burn-off mode in regard to their shorts, as the bulk of them by this point are just old shorts that Pixar had created, long before the release of Toy Story. From my understanding, this is the last of these, however, as the ones coming up should all be new shorts attached with each film. Knick Knack is a great exercise in physical comedy, and while it looks rudimentary, it’s a fun experience. Our hero, a snowman in a snow globe, wants to join a party after being beckoned by another attractive knick knack. The short features his futile attempts to escape the globe, and the results are pretty funny! I enjoyed this short more than I thought I would, although it’s still short enough as to not leave that much of an impression.

Look at the way the water reflects off the sand…beautiful!

The standout element of Finding Nemo is the animation and design. The film is absolutely gorgeous, with the underwater life looking as dazzling as any National Geographic documentary. Admittedly, the surface of the water, or water on any character who is out of it, looks a little off, but the animation within the water is stunning. The reef, in particular, is beautiful in its design and rendering, so kudos to the Pixar artists for creating something that is so wonderful to look at.

Pixar also takes another step forward here in terms of emotions, even right from the very beginning. This film begins with a pretty dark event, and it shows the evolution of Pixar in regard to their storytelling. They are beginning to challenge their audiences, and not shy away from telling children that the world is not always a great place. Obviously, Pixar has dealt with some emotions before, but this is probably the most emotional of their films so far. The scene of Dory telling Marlin just what he means to her has always been very emotional (although I will say that on this viewing, I realized that the scene makes no sense: She’s pleading for him not to leave her, but there’s also no reason for her to stay, so why doesn’t she just…go with him?). It’s a great performance by Ellen Degeneres, and it might be one of my favorite moments in all of Pixar’s films.

This moment is EASILY in my top 5 Pixar moments

There are so many amazing moments in this film that it’s hard to find things to nitpick. I do get bored with Gill’s character, as he’s so gruff and standoffish that it’s hard to connect with him. As much as I love the seagulls (MINE!), the chase sequence between them and Nigel/Marlin/Dory just feels a little extra (also, the Dory speaking whale thing drags on for way too long, but that might just be being over-familiar with “World of Color”, which features almost the entire scene and brings the show to a screeching halt). Besides these little nitpicky moments, the film is chock full of fun details and moments that still make me laugh. “You guys made me ink!” will never fail to crack me up, and I loved the little details sprinkled throughout, such as Marlin taking a big breath before he breaches the surface to look for the boat is so brilliant.

Me, on the right, watching Dory speak whale

The best part about this film is the music. For once, Randy Newman sits this one out (FINALLY) and the composing is handled by Thomas Newman, one of my favorite composers. His score is hauntingly beautiful; I have always found it immensely relaxing, and it fits the film so perfectly. It was nominated for an Oscar, but had the misfortune to go up against The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Finding Nemo holds a special place for me, in that it was the first Pixar film to really make me sit up and take notice of what they’re capable of. This film remains one of their crown jewels, one of the big pillars of the Pixar pantheon. Its sequel (that I’ll get to soon) doesn’t have quite the same effect, but not much could tarnish this delight of a film.

SHORT GRADE: A-

FILM GRADE: A