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Yeah, one of my favorite reasons why I like Pixar films is that their central conflicts are inspired by some deep-seated adult fear: fear of being replaced or f

Yeah, one of my favorite reasons why I like Pixar films is that their central conflicts are inspired by some deep-seated adult fear: fear of being replaced or forgotten (TS1-TS3), of children growing up and leaving (Nemo), midlife crisis (Incredibles), the fragility of newborn children (Monsters Inc), of change (Inside Out). That said, I do think there are a lot of creative frontiers to be explored with material suitable for older audiences only. If they wanted, Pixar could make the most terrifying psychological horror known to Man, or a tragedy so heart-wrenching that everyone heads to the bars afterward.

kbenson 11y ago
Maybe, but I suspect that the subtlety required in childrens' movies may actually help the delivery. I don't doubt Pixar could make good movies centered around more adult stories, but I think what takes from from "eh" to "good" or even "great" is when there are multiple layers to them, and the layers are subtle but powerful. I think these subtler themes resonate with people as they have experiences that they can relate to them (which is why we can put them in kids movies with a more overt story, the kids usually don't notice them because they don't have an experience that resonates), but when they are overtly part of the plot, it comes across as heavy handed.