Ready to Discover the Essence of Soul? I love the chance to share All About Pixar’s Soul Movie. Well, all that I got from interviewing the Soul cast! From my Disney Pixar Soul Movie Review, you know that besides inspired, you will be busy with some Soul Searching. I really like this movie as an artform, and very much enjoyed learning more about making it and what it might stand for.
Discover The Essence of Soul
I love all things Pixar as you know. Pixar never is never shy to address more difficult topics. Recently, Onward took on the lead. This time, we talk All About Pixar’s Soul Movie details? So, how do we discover the Essence of Soul? Some existential questions are easier to answer than others. Some existential questions are easier to answer than others. This movie is no exception. In addition, it brings some great points to the forefront. Those we learned about during our Pixar Cast Interview.
We spoke via zoom with:
· Tina Fey (voice of “22”)
· Phylicia Rashad (voice of “Libba Gardner”)
· Angela Bassett (voice of “Dorothea Williams”)
· Jamie Foxx (voice of “Joe Gardner”)
· Pete Docter (Director/Story & Screenplay by)
· Kemp Powers (Co-Director/Story & Screenplay by)
· Dana Murray (Producer)
And, here are the highlights of our conversation:
Making Animation History
Soul makes a mark in animation history. Because, the film centers around Joe Gardner, an African American middle-school teacher and Jazz artist played by Jamie Foxx. He is the first African-American protagonist of a film of this type.
Pixar’s Soul Movie is Culturally Relevant
Just like Coco, we learn so much about other cultures with the film. Kemp Powers shares that “there is universality by going for hyper specificity. My number one defense is, do you not enjoy Sopranos and The Godfather if you’re not Italian?“In this case. there are important cultural points that are shared with us. For example, did not know how important hair was for African-American men! That is highlighted when Joe is trying to perfect his haircut before a very important interview. On the same topic, Angela basset shares how big of a deal this animation is for her. She elaborates: ” we think of animation usually for-for the youngsters. But it’s also,
you know, families are taking. So, if we get to see, these images and this (it reminds us) that it’s vast and diverse humanity. I think it’s a great thing.”
Another cultural point we appreciate is Joe’s mom and her female support network. Which, is not that far from those in our Latino community. 
Focus on Passion
Peter shared that they:” played around, for a little while, with, an actor or a-a scientist. But as soon as we found a jazz musician, that felt very selfless. Because, you don’t go into jazz to get rich and famous. You do it, because you love it. And you have a passion for it.” There is no doubt, Soul will remind us to find or re-kindle the things that make us happy.
Soul Sparks Life
On that note, without a doubt, Soul will have us pondering about our life’s spark. Have you found yours yet? What is your spark of life? Tina Fey shared that her creative spark came in college when she witnessed people laughing because of the jokes she wrote for a play. For Angela Basset, it was at a summer after school program, when she used the words of a poet to express herself.
Directing your Soul: Mentors and Teachers
We all need and have those throughout our lives. As Soul shows us, they propel us to reach higher for our dreams. Tina Fey had her parents. They encouraged her art and never asked her for something to fall back on. Isn’t that beautiful? Find a moment to recognize yours. And, if you can express your gratitude.
Soul is The Joy of Life – The Takeaway
For Jamie Foxx
Something that Jamie Foxx says, that really relates to the message of Soul, is “the world has been here however many billions of years. So, 70, 80, 100 years is what? It’s a blink of an eye. So, I say to everybody, don’t waste your blink. Live your life.“ Not only that, Soul has a more profound meaning to Jamie Foxx because he lost his sister this year.: “She always lived every moment, every single moment, to the tilt. She’s down syndrome and she loved music.”
For Tina Fey
Tina Fey’s take goes to: “I think the film does a really interesting thing, where they go a step beyond just saying,”You’ve gotta find your passion in life.” They also bring up the idea that an all-consuming passion can kind of overtake your life. And that it’s a bit about being present is as important as achieving. I think it’s
really… Especially coming out in 2020, it’s a year when we’re all taking stock of, what it means to have had a good year. What it means to have been successful in your life. And, it often now means taking small joys where you can find them. And being present with the people that you love.
ABOUT DISNEY PIXAR’S SOUL
Soul will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on December 25
What is it that makes you…YOU? Pixar Animation Studios’ all-new feature film “Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks, and interests before they go to Earth.
Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
Pixar’s Soul Movie steams on Disney Plus on December 25th
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I am so excited to see this film. The diverse lead, the concept of the soul, the incredible cast of voice actors – I think it’s going to be so good. Awesome write up