Pixar is known for their attention to detail and so it’s not too surprising that their latest film, Turn red, including a lot of very intentional choices throughout the film say something about the characters. These inclusions help tell this unique story while further highlighting the personalities of its main characters.
It could be manners, clothing choices, or it could even be something within the setting itself, but Pixar likes to surreptitiously nod off to these characters’ larger worlds so that audiences feel as if they’re living in a real place. Like any Disney movie, i.e. once these details are noticed, the storytelling becomes clearer!
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Open erratically
grand opening turn red is quite erratic. It takes the audience into the mind of a teenager and the surrealism of her life. It’s an instant demonstration that the film isn’t quite like other Pixar films and celebrates the unique visual style the animators have chosen.
It’s a very interesting choice, however, as the film quickly slows down as little Mei has to deal with her family life. The person she wants to be is first introduced to the viewer, but everything suddenly stops as soon as reality hits her, besides her studies and responsibilities. The use of pacing with the character and choice of stylized animation is consistent throughout the work.
A unified blue
It was important to establish a divide between Mei and her family throughout the production as she struggled to find her own voice and identity. It is clear that green has become the representative color of the group, with Mei’s mother, aunts and even her house all in the same color scheme.
That contrasts with the red panda’s color and actually the clothes the young protagonist wears throughout the work. Those currently wearing those greens have left behind their alternate selves, while Mei continues to keep her newfound abilities and red hair.
Unique color among the group
Identity plays into turn red Many and Mei’s friends have largely found their own style. Each character is identified by a color, whether it’s red, purple, green, or yellow. But there are also some cohesive features that still allow them to feel like a unit.
Whether it’s the same shoes, a few common colors, accessories like hats or glasses, these elements show that they share a clear idea but are also very separate from each other. That’s great when side-by-side with some of the later Mei family style choices. Despite what her mother says, this group is clearly more than just copying each other.
panda pattern
It’s probably pretty obvious but there’s no shortage of panda motifs scattered throughout the production. In fact, whether it’s figurines or images of the animal, the use of red, or maybe even claw marks hidden in different locations, the beast’s presence is obvious.
While this wonderful group of friends is quick to accept Mei’s transformation, the outside world may need a bit of persuasion. Despite that, red pandas are quite famous for being calm and gentle creatures and the way they sit peacefully in the background shows that very well, while smoldering conflict under the surface is always present.
Hulk image
The giant red panda image is a rather foreign idea, and the team at Pixar clearly wanted to make it familiar. The image used when the giant panda rages and panics across the city is very reminiscent of other movie adaptations. like a movie about werewolves.
However, the movements certainly pay homage to the Green Giant, which is also owned by Disney. The way Mei jumps over buildings and inadvertently wreaks havoc hits the psyche of what audiences are used to seeing on screen.
Mystic Smoke
It’s an interesting choice from Pixar, but the transition really brought out a very definitive visual aspect. Every time the panda is launched, a pink smoke will appear. The more intense the change, the more smoke it seems.
While it certainly informs the transition in an important way, it actually ties back to the mysticism associated with the gift. This kind of god-like image is reused later in the panda removal process. Links like these give the film a full circle while also revealing small hints about the mystical nature of the possibilities prior to the ultimate god-based revelation.
Tamagotchi and responsibility
The inclusion of a Tamagotchi clearly places this film in its respective time period. While the classic game is clearly a throwback, it really says something about the character as well, even if it’s actually a fun place to store panda souls.
Tamagotchi is all about teaching responsibility to children. Mei took that opportunity to prove that she can make her own decisions and can keep her electronic pet alive thanks to her responsible attitude. It’s a signal that she’s growing up and taking on the film’s larger themes, throwing aside stereotypes of traditional animation.
Jin Lee’s Singleness
Jin Lee, Mei’s father, is separated from his family for most of the film’s duration. The relationship between Jin and his wife is clearly complicated, but Mei eventually turns to her father for advice. He’s clearly more laid back and enjoys having fun, just like his daughter.
But just as a barrier is being erected between Mei and her mother, there is also a barrier for Jin. In many scenes, he is visualized by himself or subtly separated by a wall or some other device. It’s an interesting use of containment, and one that seems to slowly heal as families open up to each other.
A scar that brings pride
It’s interesting that Mei’s grandmother Wu carries her scar with such pride. Though she initially conceals the injury with her sunglasses, she quickly reveals it, as if it were a reminder to her daughter of how dangerous power can be. It’s an interesting move from the animators.
There’s a constant reminder to the audience that being a panda has consequences. Although it was not stated outright when I first met Wu, there was clearly a connection between the scratches on the wall and the similar shape on her forehead, adding to the tension.
Family split with Ming Lee
Ming Lee is very separate from the rest of the family, just like Mei tries to separate from her parents. Although they all wear the same green color, which makes her similar to Mei’s other aunts, there are also some obvious differences.
They are uniformly shaped with the same poses, bags, sunglasses, even personality types. It’s clear that Ming doesn’t fit at all, which may recall her own childhood and her raccoon troubles. It sells the idea why Ming might not want his daughter to go through the same conflicts.