At the D23 Expo, Disney’s ultimate fan event, John Lasseter and members of his Pixar team took the stage at a Walt Disney Studios presentation to discuss their upcoming animated movie “Brave.”The multi-day D23 Expo, which ended Aug. 21, provided a first public look at some of the film’s scenes.
As a Pittsburgh Movie Examiner, I was on hand to see the D23 presentation, which not only included movie footage also appearances by the film director Mark Andrews, producer Katherine Sarafian and the movie’s voice stars Kelly MacDonald and Kevin McKidd.
“Brave” is set in ancient, medieval Scotland and focuses on the young Merida, an independent young women with an eye and arm for archery. Merida is also the daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, expected to do her duty to the clan. She seeks, as do so many Disney and Pixar protagonists, to choose her own destiny.
Lasseter, as the Chief Creative Executive of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, introduced the film briefly. He emphasized that the movie involves a number of “firsts” in Pixar’s 25 year history:
- The first “sort of” fairy-tale film
- The first period film, making it extremely difficult to render in CGI; and
- The first film with a female main protagonist.
Lasseter show the first of two clips from “Brave,” both briefly described to avoid large spoilers. Walt Disney Studios did not allow videography or photgraphy during the presentation.
Pixar shows D23 Expo attendees two clips from “Brave”
The first clip featured Merida riding through the forest, shooting with a steady aim. When her horse throws her into the mud, she picks herself up, and hits him with a clod of mud. The horse returns the favor in a comic moment made sweet by their embrace. They are then interrupted by a threat from the forest.
In the second clip, which included unfinished footage, some of it rendered as rough drawings, Merida has the opportunity to show off her archery skills in a contest that pits her against three noble suitors – and against the will of her parents.
Pixar director talks the making of “Brave,” introduces Macdonald and Kidd
Durinthe presentation Lasseter turned most of the “Brave” segment over to Andrews, who wore a kilt for the occasion, and Sarafian. (The film’s co-director and writer Brenda Chapman was absent.) The two provide some information on the film, emphasizing the teams two trips to Scotland to get a sense of place.
Sarafian also told the D23 Expo audience a little bit about the will-o’-the-wisps, the blue ethereal creatures that are part of Scottish landscape and myth. They will be present in the film and, indeed, are important. The wisps have the “power to change your fate,” which appeals to Merida and her desire to choose her own path. In fact, it is the wisps that lead Merida to the cottage of a witch, who casts a spell with an unexpected result.
Andrews then introduced McDonald and McKidd to the D23 Exo audience, asking them briefly to discuss what it’s like to work on a Disney – Pixar film.
Both praised the film, with MacDonald calling it “awesome,” echoing one of Lasseter’s often-used phrases during the D23 Expo presentation.
In another gag, McKidd channeled his character from “Brave,” offering a thick Scottish accent in response. McDonald then gamely translated his response to working on the film as “It was okay.”
McKidd then briefly talked about his involvement with the film over the past few years, saying “I feel like so much part of this Disney-Pixar family.”
Pixar’s official synopsis of "Brave"
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In Brave, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson).
Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Witch (Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.
“Brave” will be released June 22, 2012.
For Pittsburgh movie-goers, expect to see Pixar’s “Brave” at mainstream theaters, including AMC Loews Waterfront 22, at SouthSide Works Cinema and at Waterworks Cinema 10.
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