From the early days of Gertie the Dinosaur, dinosaurs and animation have been intertwined in film history. Animation’s boundless potential makes it the ideal medium for bringing these prehistoric creatures to life. The history of dinosaurs in animation encompasses a range of projects, from classics like “Fantasia” to “We’re Back! A Dinosaur Story” and “The Land Before Time,” among many others. Given the prevalence of these creatures in the world of animation, it was inevitable that Pixar would venture into the realm of dinosaur stories. In 2015, Pixar introduced “The Good Dinosaur,” which follows the journey of Arlo, a young dinosaur who forms an unlikely bond with a feral human boy named Spot.
While “The Good Dinosaur” contains the typical Pixar elements of humor, heartwarming moments, and stunning animation, it distinguishes itself in many ways compared to other Pixar films. This article explores the unique history of “The Good Dinosaur,” shedding light on its troubled production, the personal connections of its director, and its distinctive visual style.
Initial Announcement of “The Good Dinosaur”: “The Good Dinosaur” was first revealed at the 2011 D23 convention as an untitled Pixar movie about a world where dinosaurs were not wiped out by a meteor. This concept intrigued audiences, setting the stage for the film’s development.
Inspiration Behind the Film: Director Bob Peterson was inspired by animatronic dinosaurs he saw at the World’s Fair as a child. Peter Sohn, who later became the director, related to the character Arlo as an outcast adolescent, drawing from his own experiences. These personal inspirations laid the foundation for the film’s unique storytelling.
Confident Initial Release Date: Initially scheduled for a May 30, 2014 release, “The Good Dinosaur” was positioned as a summer blockbuster, reflecting Disney’s confidence in the film.
The Initial Cast: Lucas Neff, John Lithgow, Frances McDormand, Judy Greer, Neil Patrick Harris, and Bill Hader were originally cast in the film. Lithgow, in particular, expressed great optimism about the project.
Removal of Bob Peterson: Bob Peterson was removed as director in 2013, a major turning point in the film’s development. Pixar faced challenges in reshaping the movie and postponed its release to November 2015, resulting in layoffs.
Bob Peterson’s Reflections: Peterson stayed on at Pixar and acknowledged the weaknesses in his initial approach to the film, citing that he wore too many hats in the production.
John Lithgow’s Role: Lithgow, initially cast as Arlo’s father, remained confident about the film’s potential. However, he was eventually replaced by Jeffrey Wright.
Peter Sohn’s Evolving Role: Peter Sohn, initially a co-director, assumed the role of director after Peterson’s departure. He navigated the challenges of directing his first feature film.
Visual Aesthetic: The film’s visual style combines stylized, cartoony characters with hyper-realistic environments to emphasize Arlo’s perception of the world as daunting and unfamiliar.
Importance of Communication: Arlo and Spot’s inability to communicate verbally highlights the film’s theme of the diverse forms of human expression.
Scoring the Film: Composers Mychael and Jeff Danna aimed to create a unique and innovative score, drawing inspiration from various musical influences.
Pixar’s First Box Office Flop: “The Good Dinosaur” became Pixar’s first major box office disappointment, grossing well below expectations. This setback influenced Pixar’s future focus on sequels rather than original content.
In summary, “The Good Dinosaur” stands out in Pixar’s history due to its troubled production, unique visual style, and the personal connections of its creators. Despite its box office challenges, the film remains an intriguing and distinctive entry in the world of animated dinosaur cinema.
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