Soul: Review.
Soul: An In-Depth Review By
Brian Wallinger
In the midst of a global pandemic that has struck the core of our country and divided it through doubt and distrust of science, as well as a skyrocketing unemployment fueling fears and instability, there is no question that the film industry has become undoubtedly crippled leaving many films either delayed or released through various streaming services. On Christmas Day the Disney/Pixar’s animated feature, Soul was released on Disney+. Despite the films nontraditional release, at an unimaginable time, it calmly and confidently reminds us that life goes on, and that an animated masterpiece is a masterpiece, no matter where it’s seen.
Soul is a powerful film that pushes us to ask ourselves a series of deep and provocative questions including: What does it mean to have a soul? Are we so focused on the destination that we miss the journey? Do we appreciate all that we have in the moments that we have them? Do we have a unique spark that makes us who we are? While searching for ‘a spark in life’ is something that may feel like a cliché phrase from a community college courses in philosophy, but this film engages us in such a deep, humorous and meaningful way, that the questions feel fresh and exciting. The depth of this movie feels greater than any animated Pixar film that came before it, and so does its soul searching. Through this film, we feel the hope of many, but in the most subtle way, as the film plays out through its story of this one man’s journey.
It begins with a lonely yet immensely talented jazz musician, Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) who is a middle-aged African-American man ( taking away the mantle of the tiresome white male leads) whose life plays out in the richly-colorful, animated world that is New York City. Joe finds his means of surviving in the world by teaching music to junior high students but Joe’s jazz dreams have never faltered. When Joe is given his lifetime dream shot of performing with a famous jazz band at a local club with a renowned saxophone player (voiced by Angela Bassett) along with his drummer friend Curly (voiced by Roots drummer Questlove) he thinks his life has finally reached its peak. Unfortunately, moments later he falls down an open sewer and finds himself stuck in a void somewhere between life & death. Now the movie really gets started!
It is here in this other world that the story takes a turn, as well as the artwork which becomes more free form. Here, Joe meets other souls who live in this purgatory-like universe to help guide others in their quest for life on earth & the passing of life into the great beyond. Joe is resistant to mentor others as he is eager to get back into his body. Thus begins his adventure through that void back to the streets of New York City so he can live out his lifetime dream of playing in a famous jazz band and getting his jazz career off the ground. Joe is accompanied by a soul who goes by the name “22” (voiced by Tina Fey) a soul who still hasn’t lived a full life on earth due to her outlooks on life, she doesn’t ‘get’ what’s so special about living. With Joe desperate to return to his body and “22” desperate to stay a non-entity, they both accidentally descend to earth where “22” lands in Joe’s body while Joe lands in the body of a random cat. Through this ‘mis-match’ they both will learn lessons that will inform their journey.
Pixar’s Soul is directed passionately by filmmaker Pete Docter who makes a remarkable picture with strong messaging that is meaningful to everyone of all ages. The film is lighthearted yet also rich with empathy and compassion. The music, done tastefully by Trent Reznor accompanied by Atticus Ross & John Batiste, evokes such a warm feeling that you get lost inside the tracks.
There are many strongly delivered moments that occur throughout Joes & “22s” adventure that occur on the very lively streets of New York City. One moment in particular involves a conversation with a barber that challenges Joe’s ideas of happiness and obsession with his jazz dreams to the detriment of all else. Another conversation with the famed saxophonist Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett) regarding the expectations and standards we overwhelm ourselves with in our life that fills us with doubt and uncertainty highlights the theme of balance. The idea that we all can hold so tightly to our goals that we forget to just enjoy life as it comes, in every moment and from every angle. The film espouses that people should not to be driven by just ‘one thing,’ because ultimately the thing you wanted most could possibly be the thing in life that lets you down the most; its ok to move on to find another dream; another passion, because life isn’t just ‘one thing’.
At a time in the world when words like passion, love and life feel — hopeless, this film reminds us to appreciate every single thing. A very empowering moment for me, was to see Bassett’s character take the center stage blasting the sax in a scene that felt euphoric and vibrant. Perhaps the intangible quality of a ‘soul’ is what she was playing or perhaps it was just one moment to be enjoyed.
Also, in a world and an industry dominated by ‘white’ protagonists showing supposedly universal stories, this film features black protagonists who have clearly relatable questions about life and it resonates so strongly and authentically to all. Soul is one of very few animated films that is lead by people of color though it has nothing to do with the color of their skin. This film, the themes are universal and provocative and the diverse characters are important to be featured not for their diversity in itself but because all people need representation and because the world is not one shade.
A film that reaches into the center of everything to celebrate the beauty of life itself, the little things, and pivotal moments that changed our lives in a thoughtful way is rare — to make it funny too, is even more special. For a Disney product, it’s impressive just how much the film achieves in so little time. Soul is that work of art that surpasses expectations and reaches far beyond its animated appearance. From the writing and artwork to the music and messaging, Soul hits its mark & never skips a beat. It’s in the “zone” as they say…
