Soul searching

Art by SAMANTHA HO Text by ANDIE TETZLAFF and SASHA BOUDTCHENKO

S UL

ANIMATION STIRS REFLECTION

AN OUT-OF-TUNE melody breaks the rules and escapes off the path

bounces around the room as into an abyss. Traveling through dimenmovie protagonist Joe Gard- sions, he tumbles into an unexpected life ner struggles to conduct a dys- — and afterlife — changing adventure. functional middle school band. In the The film discusses a person’s purdimly lit classroom, students in front of pose and the concept that each soul him slouch in their chairs, surrounded needs a “spark” which comes with the by beige walls with joy of discovering a

some music posters pinned up in a desperate attempt at decor. Amid the dreary “The movie sent a strong message presenting how there is passion, like playing soccer or the cello. Through this conversation, Disney and Pixar’s newest movie environment, Gardner’s eyes shine with more than one path to “Soul” tackles questions of the meaning his passion for mu- happiness and success, of life, prompting sic as he guides the students through impacting my image of introspection and reflection. the notes. But this success.” average day of his — SEAN ISAYAMA, junior Students on “Soul”

monotonous life is Since the movabout to take a turn. ie’s release on Dec. 25, “Soul” has gained

After years of teaching middle a reputation for its significant impact on school band and chasing after gigs with audiences, including students at Palo hopes of a music career, Gardner gets a Alto High School. chance to perform with a celebrity sax- “The movie sent a strong message ophonist. Ecstatic about the chance to presenting how there is more than one finally pursue his dream career, Gardner path to happiness and success, impactcheerfully waltzes through the hectic ing my image of success,” junior Sean streets of New York and… dies? Isayama said.

He wakes up to find his soul on a Isayama says he believes that “Soul” long conveyor belt-like path towards the engages with issues prevalent in society light — the Great Beyond, as it is called. today, especially in Palo Alto where stuUnwilling to accept his fate, Gardner dents tend to correlate good grades with

culture v SEARCHING

their success and happiness. With such resentation in movies so that kids these superficial focuses, there seems to be a days are able to grow up relating to peoconfusion about one’s purpose in life. ple they see and feeling connected to

“Soul” exceeded junior Lily Loc- them,” Lochead said. head’s expectations.

“Honestly, I did not think the mov- Reflections of society

ie would be as good as people said it was “Soul” isn’t the only movie with a

… but once I did [watch the movie], I loved it,” Lochead said. “It made me want to focus more on “It made me want to focus more on the present and enjoying the little things deeper meaning that is veiled by its lighthearted animation. Previous Disney-Pixar movies such the present and in life, rather than focus- as “Inside Out” enjoying the little things in life, ing on the future.” and “Coco” have also impressed rather than being — LILY LOCHEAD, junior audiences with

stuck on my fu- the life lessons ture.” masterfully woven into the sto-

Black lead breaks barriers ryline.

Aside from the impressive visuals These movies all deal with profound and powerful message, Pixar goes a step topics around relationships, prompting further in its representation of Black viewers to reevaluate their own prioriAmericans in “Soul.” While Black actors ties. have voiced many characters in Pixar Whether it is traveling to the soul movies, they often play animals or voice realm or walking through the streets of supporting roles. New York City, “Soul” transports the

Gardner is the first Black lead char- audience through their imagination on acter in a Pixar movie, making “Soul” a jazzy adventure with a long-lasting imthe fourth American animated movie pact. v with Black characters in lead roles, according to the New York Times.

“It is always good to see more rep“Soul” is available for streaming on Disney+.