Disney and Pixar films are known for their masterful storytelling, captivating audiences of all ages. But what is it that makes these films so special and what can we learn from them to improve our own storytelling skills?
Emotion Matters
The Pixar film “Up” tells the story of an elderly man who embarks on an adventure to fulfill a lifelong dream. One of the reasons this film is so powerful is because it evokes strong emotions in its audience. According to research, people are more likely to engage with stories that evoke emotions such as joy, fear, or surprise. In “Up,” the film’s opening montage, where the main character’s life story is shown in a few minutes. Evoking a whole range of emotions from happiness to sadness, anger, and love. This emotional connection with the audience makes the story more impactful and memorable.
The Importance of Structure
“The Lion King” follows the hero’s journey, a narrative structure used in storytelling for centuries. This structure helps guide the audience through the story and keeps them engaged by taking them on a journey with the protagonist. The hero’s journey structure is well evident in the Lion King as Simba’s journey from a carefree cub to a king.
Bring the Story to Life
Descriptive language and sensory details help the audience visualize the scenes. “The Incredibles” uses dynamic camera angles, fast-paced movement, and detailed animation to create a sense of energy and excitement. This makes the story more immersive and engaging. Therefore, descriptive language and sensory details not only enhance the audience’s understanding of the story but also makes it more relatable and enjoyable.
Creating a Sense of Mystery
“Zootopia,” uses a sense of mystery to keep the audience engaged throughout the film. By slowly revealing the true identity of the villain and the conspiracy behind the disappearances. As a result, the audience is left wondering who the true villain is and how the disappearances are connected. The movie uses subtle hints and clues to give the audience a glimpse of what might happen. However, never fully reveals the true villain and the conspiracy behind the disappearances until the end. This sense of mystery keeps the audience engaged and guessing what will happen next, making the story more impactful and memorable.
The Power of Simplicity
“Moana” is the story of a young girl who sets out on a journey to save her people. One of the reasons this film is so effective is because it uses clear and direct language, making the story easy to understand for audiences of all ages. This clarity makes the narrative impactful.
The Wrap-up
Pixar and Disney’s storytelling is an art and science. By focusing on emotion, structure, descriptive language, mystery, and simplicity, we can create stories that resonate with our audience and leave a lasting impression.
