The 'Toy Story' saga, which revolutionized animation thirty years ago, premieres its fifth installment. Producers Lindsey Collins and Pete Docter recall the impact of the first film, a milestone in 1995 for its pioneering use of computers in animation, a rarity compared to traditional techniques of the era. Docter humorously notes how the first installment might now seem like a "cheap video game" compared to current rendering advancements.
The new film, running one hour and forty-two minutes, centers on Bonnie, the girl who inherited Andy's toys. The plot addresses the self-absorption caused by electronic devices and the resulting loneliness, leading a character to declare that "the age of toys has come to an end." However, the creators clarify that the main idea is to show that "traditional play and technology can coexist," drawing on the fundamentally human need to project personality onto objects.
The story introduces Lilypad, a frog-shaped tablet that, unlike other toys, requires parental control to prevent harm to the child. This narrative aims to engage both children and parents on the topic of technology use. Collins and Docter state they are not against technology but acknowledge its reality, viewing it as a tool at the artist's service, even for film production using artificial intelligence, though always prioritizing artistic vision.
The film also stands out for its diversity, featuring three female protagonists, two of whom are racialized. The creators assert their goal is to entertain and offer an escape from worldly problems, celebrating life. Collins mentions the use of new technology to draw the curly hair of Blaze, one of the characters, as an example of Pixar's commitment to accurate representation of people.
