Disney Pixar's “Soul”
Walks a tight Jazz line to avoid stereotype troupes and, in the end, is a cool movie that features real elements of New York City and a great sound track.
(Photo credit Disney Pixar)
Disney / Pixar’s “Soul" made history as Pixar's first-ever animated film led by a Black actor, Jamie Foxx.
(Disney/ Pixar)
This article introduces the treatment of Black & Brown animated characters and how Disney Pixar took steps to ensure “Soul” would not commit stereotypical troupes of the past.
“Soul" is the latest in a string of animated movies ("The Princess and the Frog," "Spies in Disguise," "The Emperor's New Groove") that borders on the edge of the troupe where Black or people of color in leading human characters are transformed into animals or non-human characters/creatures for a majority of their on-screen time. This style of representation evolved into s stereotypical troupe.
The act of taking away nonwhite characters’ racial identities dates back as far as the early 2000s. In Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove” (2000) and “Brother Bear” (2003), native Incan and Alaskan Native American characters, respectively, are transformed into animals for the majority of their on-screen time.
“Soul” film directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, along with producer Dana Murray were asked if they had any thoughts on the trend of Black characters not appearing human in an animated film's entirety.
Pete Docter said the team was initially unaware of the trope. Joe's time in the movie is split about evenly on Earth and in the "soul" world.
Co-director Kemp Powers (who identifies as Black) was brought in as a consultant and Co-Director as the animators had to create "caution cones" since it's the first time Pixar is "telling a Black man's story in an animated film."
Pixar has been working on "Soul" for about the past five years since the release of 2015's "Inside Out," which earned an Oscar.
Kemp Powers joined the film during its last two years of production. In an interview, Powers told the press that at the time he joined, the film was in "pretty rough form."
Soul animates the Black & Brown tribal counsel, aka “the Barbershop.”
Power’s contributions to “Soul” redeemed the movie’s ending, including more screen time for “Joe Gardner” on earth. In the final version of “Soul,” we see “Joe’s” connections to his real life on earth and a deeper backstory with his family. The Barbershop scene calls to the true to life importance of the neighborhood Black Barbershop. Although it is a small scene in the movie, the neighborhood Barbershop is where Black & Brown men connect with the community and their neighborhood brothers. The Barbershop for many Black & Brown men functions as the urban “Tribal counsel,” a place to exchange wisdom. That scene instantly connects with Black & Brown audiences as more than just a place for a haircut.
Disney / Pixar
The heart and soul of the movie is Jazz music.
The character “Joe Gardner’s” piano performances in Soul were written and performed by Louisiana native musician Jon Batiste, bandleader and musical director on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Jon Batiste has recorded and performed with artists in various music genres (Stevie Wonder, Prince, Willie Nelson, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, and Mavis Staples), released his recordings.
Photo Credit (Amy Harris/Invision/AP/Shutterstock)
Jon Batiste is New Orleans music royalty, the Batiste family, including Lionel Batiste of the Treme Brass Band, Milton Batiste of the Olympia Brass Band, composer and arranger Harold Battiste, and Russell Batiste Jr.
The selection of Jon Batiste to write and perform the Jazz selections and the musical performances of the character “Joe Gardner” was a brilliant choice. Because Jon is known for his eclectic music that is often a smooth mixture of jazz, soul, R&B, and other soulful genres. Batiste was responsible for the Jazz compositions, and the arrangements heard throughout New York City
Photo credit Disney
Grammy award-winning Jazz artist Herbie Hancock was consulted to ensure “Joe Garder’s” passion for Jazz was portrayed on screen with depth and sincerity.
Mr. Herbie Hancock added to the authenticity of Jazz music and its connection to the African American experience.
“Soul” is an enjoyable story featuring Disney / Pixar’s first Black male leading character.
Will Disney-Pixar's "Soul" be a Disney Classic for you and your family?
What Disney (live-action or animated) or Pixar movie is your favorite featuring people of color?
I can validate with many experiences where people do not expect nor think I deserve the experiences I am having because of assumptions. It’s subtle to most but real. If you are lurking and know it is real, or starting to wonder if it is-consider doing something new. Don’t just be a silent observer or wonderer. Figure out what you can do to end it - do your small part- or racism will continue in future times.
