My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analyses: august 2022

Hi folks! Welcome to my My Own Personal Nerdy Disney and Animation Scrutinizing Analysis blog. A blog where I'm analyzing several Disney films, Disney or Animation in general! These entries are just meant to be my analyses. Not reviews or statements. Just fun analyses! Though I'll make some personal remarks now and then, the content of these entries are meant to be depicted objectively. They're made for entertainment purpose only and the pictures/clips are copyright Disney or other companies.

Make sure to leave a comment if you like this site! And if there's something you think could be improved, please let me know. But in a constructive way, please. And just a note; I'm not a Native English writer, so my incorrect grammar may be notable.

And finally; If you haven't seen the films, beware of spoilers! And the funny lines aren't meant to be nothing than funny. So I hope you won't find them offensive. If so, I apologize

If you`re confused for what this movie is about, then I don`t blame ya :)

Do you guys remember Brave? Remember all the fuzz about it? It`s hard to believe that it`s been 10 years since it`s release. But it truly was one of the most scrutinized properties from Pixar ever. And yeah, due to it`s scrutiny, I could always give it a go and make an entry about the controversy and buzz surrounding it.

I`m Casper, the Friendly Ghost :) The Pixar version :)

Since I`m in the middle, I want
to be noticed by standing out :)

The beginning of the 2010`s was a gamechanging time for Pixar. After having a fifteen year winning streak of critical and commercial successes, Pixar`s fate was forever changed with the release of the universally hated Cars 2 from 2011 (which yes, I`ll admit it: I was one of the minorities who actually liked it. And thought that it didn`t deserve the massive hate that it got. Get the hate ready, haters). Regardless of how it was shunned by both critics and audiences, it fueled another stigma and misconception: That Disney had managed to destroy Pixar. However, while some purists may dislike this, that stament should`ve been taken with a grain of salt. After all, Disney had owned Pixar since 2006. But Disney still got entirely blamed for Pixar`s downfall!

We`re in front of the entire
world :) We want to outshine
it :)

And regardless of how the first Cars was perceived of being a minor black sheep in Pixar`s Pantheon, it still wasn`t perceived as the downfall of the company. As they would still make four faboulous films in a row. Cars 2 on the other hand, was universally more hated than it`s predecessor and really set the bar low. And regardless of how there were some naysayers who were hoping that Pixar would have a dud (yes folks, that`s unfortuantely how the world works: When something is universally perceived as flawless, some people wants it to fail), at least Cars 2 introduced Pixar`s short-lived, but critical dud-phase. But that`s why it needed to have another movie to redeem Pixar for the downfall.

The Fate of Brave (No Pun Intended) & it`s Scrutinizing Elements

I`m Geppetto`s grandmother :)
Twice removed :)

Things didn`t look too promising for Pixar`s following feature, 2012`s Brave. But even then, Brave had a lot going on for it to be scrutinized. In fact, there`s hardly ever been an animated feature that has faced more scrutiny and wrong misconceptions than Brave. However, Brave was a first in many ways for Pixar. It was Pixar`s first Fairy Tale and Period film, set in Medieval Scotland (and yes, the Pizza Planet Truck was a part of it).

Despite that I`m far from a
president :)

It was their 13th Full-Length Feature. And it was their very first picture with a female lead. And yes (gasp), an actual Princess. Something that Disney had recycled constantly during the Revival era and could`ve been perceived as a corporate synergy (which it was from John Lasseter). And Brave was Pixar`s first original property since Up after two sequels in a row. But despite this, Brave was facing a lot of online scrutiny for one specific thing: It was the first Pixar feature directed by a woman alone.

We were influenced by Elsa
and Snow White :)

By animation veteran Brenda Chapman (who worked on various movies from the Disney Renaissance and co-directed The Prince of Egypt). But 18 months before it`s release, she was swapped in favor for One Man Band`s Mark Andrews. So Brave faced a lot of scrutiny for the sheer sexism of this swap. But what ultimately hampered Brave was that the final result was uneven and broken. With a cluttered and half-baked story and a lack of a clear vision. And a screenplay that a little scattered and skimpy with a Brother Bear retreading (and yes, some called it Mother Bear. While some have compared Brave to How to Train Your Dragon for it`s Scottish setting, it`s of course a shallow comparison).

The Reception of Brave

I`m dressed up like a
black version of Little
Red Riding Hood :)

Was Brave living up to it`s courageous title (no pun intended) and being able to redeem Pixar? To a degree yes, but more on the no side. Despite how it wasn`t the ultimate Pixar redemption, it still was received better than Cars 2 critically (at least commercially Brave did better than Cars 2 Domestically, despite how internationally and Worldwide it performed below Cars 2). And for all of it`s naysayers, Brave gained a bigger fanbase than Cars 2.

However, the final consensus was that it was perceived as being "lesser Pixar" (despite how even Pixar`s former co-founder Steve Jobs, which Brave was dedicated to, was impressed by the early reels). However, there were people who looked forward to it, for it`s intriguing premise. But Brave was still slammed for being a part of the ultimate Disneyfication of Pixar, both prior and after it`s release. Because of it`s aformentioned Disney components (and yes, when it was known that there would be a drinking song, it made people shudder. And animation veteran Floyd Norman tweeted in June 2011 that Brave was a part of a culmination of Pixar`s fear to fail).

Yes, the theater is hidden
behind this poster :)

Brave was changed from The Bear and the Bow, which even made people more certain that it was influenced by Disney`s adjective titles that they were giving their Princess movies from the Revival era (a curse that was broken with Moana). And yes, while that was the case, let`s remember that Pixar had adjective titles before (Cars, Up). But ironically, Brave was the original title. Despite how Bow was a more appropriate title (but was changed as executives feared people would think “Bow” was an accessory and not a weapon. Which frustrated Chapman). So overall, Brave feels more Disney than Pixar. But regardless of how fanboys and purists can hate anything for the most ridiculous reasons (which was probably the reason for Brave attracted many trolls on discussion boards at it`s release), there`s no denial that the screenplay is the weakest part of the movie. And why it`s labeled as a mess (since the mantra of Pixar has always been story first).

My Own Personal Opinion About Brave & Pixar`s Previous Directorial Changes

Yeah, I can hold a sword
without cutting myself! :)
Yay! :)

As for my own personal opinion of Brave, did I consider it to be a failure? Yes and no. While I loved several elements of it (it`s visuals, music and voice acting), I was still turned off by the skimpy screenplay. So my overall consensus of Brave is that it`s not a bad film. Just a flawed and uneven one. But even then, it`s quite astonishing how the crew weren`t able to fix the problems. In fact, it was confirmed early that it was facing problems: An review from Aint it Cool News from October 2011 pointed out the flaws of the movie.

It`s going to be a looong story,
since it`s about all of us :)

But regarding this issue, let`s remember that Pixar has made last minute script changes before. An example is Ratatouille, the Brainchild of Geri Game`s director Jan Pinkava. Who was the director before Lasseter saw him as unable to direct a Full-Length Feature. And how he couldn`t make the story work. A similar thing happened to Toy Story 2. Lasseter wasn`t even the original director and Disney wanted to release it even when Pixar weren`t pleased with the product. So Lasseter came in charge and fixed it. So it`s truly a pity that neither Pixar or Disney were able to fix Brave.

The Directorial Change of Brave & The Scrutiny Around The Change

I`m the female version of
Robin Hood :) The hoodless
one :)

But the biggest scrutiny regarding Brave has (as aforementioned) been about the sexism of it`s directorial change. It was Brenda Chapman`s Lovechild. In true Pixar mold, it was based on the directors own experiences (and the only idea she pitched to Lasseter on Pixar). It was inspired by her relationship with her daughter, Emma Rose Lima. By their disagreements and fights, as Brenda wondered how she would be as a teenager (and funny enough turned 13 the year Brave was released and loved the movie. And every time she saw a girl with a Merida doll, she told it was her mother`s film). Chapman was looking for a good mother/daughter story she could adapt, but couldn’t find one. But Chapman got replaced for creative differences in October 2010.

Don`t worry, I`m aiming to
shoot besides the logo :)

While Brave was far from the first directorial change in animation (Beauty and the Beast, anyone?), perhaps it was the most public. Probably for two pivotal reasons: How such news gets spread fast thanks to the Internet and the sexist aspect of it. And yes, Chapman faced a lot of sexism, which was a reason for being replaced (and to add salt to injury: Journalist Joel Stein confirmed how Pixar was basically a man`s place. And Chapman fought for things she never fought for before). But many blamed the directorial change for being the lone reason for why Brave became a mess. Perhaps it could`ve been, but Brave was hampered by many problems in the first place (just look at the Once Upon a Scene featurette of the deleted scenes on the Blu Ray and you`ll see what I`m talking about).

Yes, this is the Ginger club :)
This is why I`m (Ellinor) is
feeling left out :)

But regarding the question of Chapman was able of directing is a question that unfortunately no one but Pixar are able to answer. As there`s been both statements: Some claims that she was indecisive and unfocused, while others claimed that she was the opposite (among them was John Sanford, who claimed that she was taken off because Brave was unconventional). But as for the other reasons of the swap, the executives urged story changes that Chapman refused (as making it a father-daughter story). And it was about Merida’s character. And that it was too personal for Chapman. The crew didn`t get her and her attempts at integrity for her characters. But according to Andrews, Chapman was fired to get Brave done in time. And yes, Chapman was devastated (as well as Emma).

Yes, I know that my dress
freaks ya out :) But I hope that
you will obey me anyways :)

But according to Chapman, the final changes weren`t huge. Despite how they changed the story once (which test audiences didn`t like) and ended up putting her ideas back. But the bear plot was part of the story all along (which was deliberate, as Chapman loved bears). However, Chapman said there was no reason creatively to take her off. But that she bumped heads with Lasseter. And while Chapman was credited as director in the final film, it`s not surprising that she was barely mentioned in the Audio Commentary for Brave (despite how Andrews credited her in other podcasts).

Welcome, James Brown :)

And yes, Chapman left Pixar after Brave (despite how she was obligated to stay until Brave`s release), despite that she would leave anyway and would never return (which made other female staff leave Pixar too). But she was offered jobs from other studios. Still, Chapman said that she loves the movie, anyways (and would`ve like a live action remake). And that she`s not afraid of directing again. But yeah, Chapman was not the only woman who bumped heads with Lasseter, as he replaced other women. And Chapman said she would never sell her ideas to other studios again for payment.

The Changes Mark Andrews Brought to Brave

Yes, I`m shaded because I`m
bigger :)

Of course the big question is what changes Andrews brought to the film. Apparently the biggest change was that he made the story mostly about Merida and added Mor`Du (inspired by Moby Dick). Another change was about Merida`s characterization (producer Katherine Sarafian said everyone liked her strong traits). Originally the story was more complicated, but got simplified. Apparently the characters were murky. And there were too many of them and detracted from the actual story. The plot involved a double mother/daughter dynamic, as the Witch had her own daugther. But Andrews claimed that he was objective and excluded what wasn`t necessary. Some gags and plot points were thrown out because people got bored of them.

Yes, I know that you`re not a
jellyfish, so that`s why I`m
going to touch ya :)

Apprarently there were going to be more animals and backstories. And much more magic, as it would`ve affect the whole country and give it a frozen curse (which the crew couldn`t nail and the following years Frozen would follow). There were more tone shifts in the movie. However, Andrews never changed the settings or the character designs. Another issue was to have Ellinor (voiced by Emma Thompson, making her second Disney voice job after Treasure Planet) be like Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly, his second Disney gig after Pocahontas). And since he looked like a bear, it was the reason for why Ellinor became one. But Andrews threw it out cause he didn`t want Brave to be about parent comparisons.

I`m insulted, cause your
drawing doesn`t look like me
at all :)

But Andrews claims

that his version of Brave was brawnier and action-oriented than Chapman`s, who wanted to reduce the action (which there were a lot of in the early drafts). And that he brought the comedy. Andrews wrote the scene where Merida and Ellinor are talking to each other with Angus and Fergus. Yet Chapman originally wanted them to actually talk to each other. Another change was to have Ellinor`s transformation to a bear in the castle. Originally it was scary, but Fergus and his pals nearby added comedy.

It was uncomfortabel to do
this pose :) For many hours :)

But apparently Pixar`s biggest problem with the film was the non-love interest angle and that it was too dark. And yes, another reason to spark to sexism: Most of the crew were fathers with sons and couldn`t relate or knowing how to market a picture with arguing women (and yeah, the project was not easy to sell). The team had problems to depict Merida and Ellinor, as they were too snippy at each other (Merida was either too bratty or too nice. In one deleted scene, Merida and her mom took a break midargument to hug before resuming fighting, just as Chapman and Emma did). But Andrews and Chapman remained friends afterwards. But regardless of who`s to blame, the merging between Pixar and Disney also delayed Brave.

Another Interesting Information Regarding the Plot

But regarding more details about the final story, there were some official leaks about it during the release of Brave. Back when the comment section on IMDb.com was still active, there was an employee for Disney (named Purplesquirrel27) who actually revealed some interesting tidbits about the story. Of course a source like this should`ve always be taken with a grain of salt. But the information was mostly about Mor`Du`s backstory. But he/she revealed some of Mor`Du`s backstory (despite that he wasn`t always a Prince and was purely a bear), how Merida was actually related to Mor`Du and some details that actually made sense to the story (how the stones were able to kill Mor`Du when the arrows weren`t. Since the magic came from the stones).

And the legend of me will
show me as a badass :)

But some of the information actually ended up in The Legend of Mor`Du short. Despite how there were less anamosity between Mor`Du and his brothers after the spell. And that Mor`Du`s backstory was going to be told in shadows silhouette in the mold of Harry Potter, in order to swallow the dark elements (told by Ellinor). And how Mor`Du had a sympathetic side to him. And that the wordless triples were an late addition by Disney and that the comedy was going to be less slapstick and more wisecracking. But the employee revealed how the original outline was originally going to be an grand, epic adventure. And how Disney made it less of an adventure. And how the original take was even darker (where the Witch and Fergus were less goofier). If these rumors are actually true, is another case. But they`re still interesting tidbits to the neverending debate (since Chapman wanted darkness and an action-adventure, after all).

My Purpose With This Entry

I can`t be brave, since
I`m stuck in this box :)

Originally my purpose with this entry was going to be about who truly were responsible for the result of Brave. And while it would`ve been an interesting question, it`s simply impossible to answer it. Due to how the answer is only known to Pixar and Disney. However, another way to take with this entry is to rather make it about why people were so deceived by Brave. And why they were looking forward to it. And what was misleading about the film?

First Misleading Aspect: The Trailers & Marketing

This is how you`ll treat
introduders from now on :)

The first misleading thing about Brave was simply the marketing and how it essentially hampered the film. The trailers were depicting it as a sweeping, sumptuous epic and actually made people intrigued for it for that reason. In fact, Brave was affected by the same misleading marketing aspect as Tangled was. But while Tangled benefited from that marketing, Brave was hampered by it. As their fates (no pun intented) turned out to be essentially opposites (but as with most of the Revival properties, the Japanese trailer for Brave was more serious than the Domestic one).

Yes, it`s nice to be the middle
stone :) Because it makes me
taller :)

For those who didn`t looked at the spoilers from the released books and websites were ignorant about the twist in the movie (the bear change). Which was in fact well hidden by the trailers (and deliberately so, in order to surprise the audience) and therefore took people by surprise (what`s even more remarkable is how many bloggers and journalists were screened the first 30 minutes of the movie, which delighted them). Despite this, there were released some featurettes that promoted the film in a more jovial and goofy way (despite how they were made for promotional purposes and not ended up in the movie itself).

Second Misleading Aspect: How it Was a Pixar Property, The Deliniaition Between the Plotlines & Similarities to Brother Bear

Yes, you`ll have to
be brave to stand in
my shadow :)

Another misleading aspect was the lone fact that Brave was a Pixar property. Pixar is known for making inventive and intriguing premises. Which was the reason why people were expecting Brave to be more inventive and innovative than it was. Something in the mold of The Lord of the Rings saga. And not a compromised, simplistic and conventional Disney Princess movie (yes, regarding the scrutiny of how Disney`s Fairy Tale Movies became Princess Movies, it`s essentially the truth), which was the reason naysayers hated it for. But eventually Brave was scrutinized how it was too predictable and straight-forward with it`s story. And how it came across as two different stories in one movie: The first act where it was leading up to a big adventure. And the second act with the bear plotline. Which made Brave seem as two different movies stitched together. And made many people liking either the first or second act

Yes, I know that I
stand out by being a
human :) But they
adopted me :)

And yes, the bear plotline makes a comparison to Brother Bear inevitable, despite how that movie was never been mentioned by the crew as inspiration. Both movies shares commonality starring an headstrong, impetuous teenager who makes a mistake for sheer stubbornness. And with a setting of mystery, magic and lore. And beginning and ending with a narration that confirms the moral. And both movies have a stronger first act than second act (despite how there was something that Brave did better with the bear plotline than Brother Bear: As Ellinor gets to act like a real, dangerous predator when the spells takes over. As opposed to Kenai. Originally Andrews didn`t want a trigger for it, before it was settled on the food).

Third Misleading: Merida`s Characterization

A sword vs an arrow. It`s
going to be good :)

Despite how Brave was the first time Pixar ever had a female lead (which is remarkable how it even took so long for them to have one. As Lasseter`s wife, Nancy, was pleading for one), the marketing of Merida`s character was even more misleading. Since she was depicted as a wild, arrow-shooting and badass heroine in trailers and poster (despite how Champan never wanted Merida to be a tomboy, just strong and athletic). Which (yes) was a reason for why she was instantly (and shallowly) compared to Mulan. Another and more relevant comparison is of course Ariel from The Little Mermaid.

Yes, we can make an x with
our swords :) Impressive,
huh? :)

For the mere, shallow reason of how both of them are fiery redheads. But who`s story and character arc is strikingly similar: Both are Princesses who rebels against oppressive parents and puts their lives in jeopardy. But for that reason, Merida was unfortunately victimized by a lot of scrutiny: For being a flawed character, as flawed female characters gets more scrutiny (despite how Brave depicts the male characters as ignorant idiots). While Merida certainly has her followers, she still not as regarded as Ariel. But besides the conventionality, Brave did eventually became a first for a Disney Princess movie in many ways.

The Good and Bad Sides of the Innovations in Brave

Since I`m not a female Midas,
I can touch ya :)

At least Brave was somewhat a first for both a Disney and a Pixar movie in that regard to try to deliberately depict a mother/daughter relationship (unless you`ll count The Little Mermaid II Return to the Sea. Despite how most people won`t think it`s valid, for being a cheapquel). Which is something that certainly the Disney Princesses has been criticized for years. And remarkably enough the studio has never managed to do anything with (with the exception of making the mothers secondary characters. And not having the heroines relationships with them be front and center). Despite how their conflict is given depth, their dynamic comes straight out of a Freaky Friday-premise. As both Merida and Ellinor are essentially those archetypes (Chapman deliberately wanted the conflict to feel modern). But despite for the incoungruity in the screenplay, at least it does have genuine arcs for both Merida and Ellinor.

Even when I`m shaded, I still
look cool with an arrow :)

As they genuinely learn from each other: Merida learns the way of diplomacy, while Ellinor learns the ways of brute force (despite how it makes Merida passive in the climax. Ellinor was named after Chapman`s Sunday School Teacher and Merida by another acquaintance). And at least Brave does another really pivotal thing: To have a Princess who actively rebels against her suitors and remains single. Which was a part of Chapman`s vision from the get-go (despite how there was a time where Merida was interested in Young MacGuffin).

We`re the single Princess
club :) Well, at least two of
us :)

And paving way for other single Princesses like Elsa (despite how Elsa was a secondary character in the first Frozen), Moana and Raya (despite how I initially thought it would`ve been more invigorating if Merida didn`t have any suitor whatsoever. And yes, technically Pocahontas would`ve been the first. But she ended up with John Rolfe in the cheapquel). Due to the scrutiny of feminism, at least it`s something that has pleased the naysayers who`s wanted a single heroine (Chapman was flattered by the lesbian theories of Merida).

Yes, I know that you`re far
behind, but I`m still afraid of
ya :)

And at least with Merida they`ve made a Princess who looks like an everyday person (which was a deliberate choice, as Chapman wanted her design to be unique and athletic). But yes, Merida was going to be a part of the Official Princess Franchise from the get-go and released with Princess-related merchandise (despite how Chapman hated Merida`s redesign, which Disney removed after petitions. But on the other hand, she cracked up at Merida`s cameo in Ralph Breaks the Internet). However, for all the vigor with Merida, she still got criticized for purists for not being innovative as she could`ve been.

My Own Opinion About the Havoc of the Scrutiny

You just need to raise an
eye to look scary :) Easy,
huh? :)

But regarding one of the most controversial aspects of this debate (the blending of Disney and Pixar), we live in a world of purism. And how people genuinely thinks that different companies shouldn`t intertwine. And the Disney/Pixar feud is certainly no exception. Still, it would be tempting to wonder if Brave would`ve faced less scrutiny if it was mostly a Disney production without Pixar`s name. Perhaps not, but at least it would`ve escaped the scrutiny of being an evidence of how Disney destroyed Pixar. After all, it would`ve been tempting to blame Lasseter for this, as both studios became homogenous during the Revival era. As there were little to differentiate them from each other (which many on the Dvd Dizzy Boards disliked Lasseter for). Despite how the Princess aspect was far from Lasseter`s idea.

Yes, we (Anna and Elsa) are
above ya`ll: Because we`re
sister and our franchise was
more successful :)

But regarding the purist issue of how the studios shouldn`t intertwine, I`m going to be rightfully outspoken about this and say the truth: It`s not as Disney are the only ones who should have the right to adapt fairy tales. While Disney are forever associated with them, it`s not as Pixar shouldn`t be allowed to make fairy tales which includes Princesses. And yes, hate me for all you want, purists, but that`s the honest truth. After all, let`s remember all the Disney knockoffs in the 1990`s which starred Princesses (even beloved ones like Don Bluth`s Anastasia). And animated series who`ve followed the same formula. Does it honestly truly mean that no other studio are unallowed to have Princesses in them? The answer is of course no.

When Disney and Pixar Switched Their Reputations

Since you can`t bite
me, that`s why I`m
hugging ya :)

But the remarkable thing with Brave is that was a part of the simultaneous switch of the reputations between Disney and Pixar. With the rise of CGI animation and the decline of Hand Drawn animation, Disney became the bad wolf and their reputation declined at the expense of Pixar. Every Disney aficionados knows that the period that followed the Disney Renaissance wasn`t looked fondly upon by neither critics nor audiences (which is a pity, as many of them were actually good movies). Which happened when Pixar were at their prime. But when Tangled was released, Disney was being praised for their comeback and Pixar was slowly beginning their downfall (despite how The Princess and the Frog is rarely perceived as being a part of the trend, for not reviving hand drawn animation). Five months after Brave, Disney`s Wreck-It-Ralph was released to brilliant reviews and Box Office Numbers.

This picture was
turned upside down
so I didn`t have to
turn myself :)

In fact, 2012 was an interesting year for both Disney and Pixar, as they were practically exploring their different areas. As Wreck-It-Ralph was essentially labeled as being Disney`s Pixar movie (as it had many of Pixar`s elements). Which caused even more havoc when Brave somehow won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (something that could be considered as mandatory, since Pixar used to win that Award annually. But at least it was a victory for Chapman for her struggles). While Pixar would wait until 2015 to have a brief comeback with their critically and commercially successful Inside Out (the second female centric feature from Pixar), Pixar slowly morphed into a prequel/sequel territory. And made other films that would tap into Disney`s elements (Coco, Onward). Their only true dud in this period was The Good Dinosaur, who was both critically and commercially shunned. Still, for all the comparisons and that we live in a world that always compares, it would`ve been nice if Pixar and Disney would`ve been perceived as being equally good in their own way.

Epilogue

At the end, it`s really hard to conclude about Brave and forever speculate of what it could`ve been. But as for my personal consensus of it: Is it an uneven film? Yes. But it is an completely bad film? In my opinion, no. As aforementioned, it does have many strengths. But it`s still a pity that it was hampered by it`s flaws. Perhaps Brave could`ve benefited from being entirely innovative, instead of relying on such a derivative plotline full of familiar tropes? Either way, while Brave belongs to Pixar`s dud-category, it`s still not as hated as it`s predecessor Cars 2 and does have it`s slight fanbase.

But regardless who`s to really blame about the result, perhaps Brave
suffered from being a flawed project as a whole. But either way, we`ll just to accept Brave as it is. And praise it for the few innovations in mainstream animation that it actually has. Cause it deserves to be credited for them. Considering that there`s been more than 10 years since this movie was released, there`s nothing left to wish Brave Happy 10th Anniversary and may you continue to have many more.