Pixar's America

By: Dietmar Meinel

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Synopsis: This book examines the popular and critically acclaimedfilms of Pixar Animation Studios in their cultural and historical context. Whether interventionist sheriff dolls liberating oppressed toys (Toy Story)or exceptionally talented rodents hoping to fulfill their dreams (Ratatouille),these cinematic texts draw on popular myths and symbols of American culture. AsPixar films refashion traditional American figures, motifs and narratives forcontemporary audiences, this book looks at their politics - from the frontiermyth in light of traditional gender roles (WALL-E) to the notion of voluntary associations andneoliberalism (The Incredibles). Through close readings, this volume considers theaesthetics of digital animation, including voice-acting and the simulation ofcamera work, as further mediations of the traditional themes and motifs ofAmerican culture in novel form. Dietmar Meinel explores the ways in which Pixarfilms come to reanimate and remediate prominent myths and symbols of Americanculture in all their cinematic, ideological and narrative complexity.