Movie Shots Analysis: Up

Up is a 2009 Disney Pixar film with well designed characters and plentiful amounts of long shots. The focus is more on the scenery as the environment sets up what occurs around the characters as well as the mood.

This scene is a full-shot showing Carl and Ellie's life together. Prior to his scene they are setting up the house. Now, they have established which seats are theirs as well as their unity. They may be different people with different tastes, but they are together and that's what matters the most to them. The show almost provides the same amount of fulfillment and happiness that the characters themselves feel.

A long shot establishes this scene. From a distance you see the same hill that was presented earlier in the montage of clips. It shows how Carl awaits Ellie on the top of the hill, but Ellie struggled to arrive. The sun's position is also significant as it is setting. The sky takes up most of the screen and the shadows are plentiful. The viewer now feels more distant than earlier clips, but can feel a somber tone. The viewer is knows that the movie will be heading in a darker direction.

This other full body shot contrasts heavily from the earlier shot of both Ellie and Carl. The viewer may notice that Carl is still in the same spot he was in earlier. He sits on the left side of the stage, very similar to the one that Ellie and him were married in. The lighting is much more night centered. Carl gazes to his side, almost as if he was hoping Ellie was right next to him. This full shot is a full shot of Carl's loneliness.

Carl and his new companion Russel are slowly moving Carl's home to Paradise Falls. The house towers over the small characters, which may be difficult to see in the distance. Even the clouds are enormous in comparison to everything else occurring in the scene. The house is also symbolic of Ellie, as that is how both Carl and Russel refer to the house throughout the remainder of the movie. This shot shows the grand scale of the environment.

A low-angle shot can be used to put emphasis on the subject. In this case, Carl is once again the subject. The low-angle encompasses both Carl and the cliff. The ultimatum presented to him can be seen by how the shot is divided. As the shot is from below, his full facial features are captured as well as his emotions.

This close shot shows both Carl and Russel after having resolved the stories two conflicts. Neither of the two have their full bodies in the shot, and the lighting is much different. The energy and sense of adventure that the character's have almost oozes off the screen. Both have accomplished what they needed and this shot truly defines how their friendship has grown.

To conclude this analysis, we have the amazing badge tight shot at the end of Up. The subject may not be a character, but rather the badges themselves. Carl granted Russel the "Ellie" badge to thank Russel for all of his help. This tight shot creates an emotional impact on the viewer. This badge is significant to Carl, and for him to gift it to Russel is a great honor. This tight shot brings the movie full circle as Carl has finally moved on.