Pixar's Feminine Power

The newest addition to the Pixar family comes out today!  Words cannot express how excited I have been for Brave to hit theaters.  When I first heard news of this movie, back when it was titled The Bear and the Bow (which I believe is a title Pixar should have stuck with), I was literally bouncing in my seats from the idea of it.  A highland setting, with a female archer as the protagonist (move over Katniss!) ?  My love for the studio increased tenfold just from the description of the film.

merida from brave. her dress ♥

This film marks a milestone in Pixar Studios because this is their first legitimate female protagonist.  In fact, many reactions that I have read online about this movie is that it was about time, that it was long overdue for Pixar to feature a female character as the main lead in one of their films because the overall girl power in their past works has been sorely lacking.  While I agree that Pixar should have more films where the female character is in over 80% of the scenes, I find it unfair to label the studios as one that is male-centric, which many do.  I have seen all of the Pixar films, and although the female characters usually play a supporting role, their presence leaves a powerful impact on screen, oftentimes just as strong as the males'.  Below, I highlight who I think are the best examples of Pixar's female powerhouses.

Finding Nemo: Dory

Dory speaking whale. :)

screen captures from the film Finding Nemo (2003)

Even though the titular character of Finding Nemo is Nemo, when I think of the film, I think of neither him nor his father immediately; instead, I picture Dory.  She is probably the closest Pixar has gotten to a female protagonist (before Brave), even though the overall story arch does not center around her, she steals the scenes with her quirkiness and sweet nature, not to mention being instrumental in Marlin's quest of finding his son.

Monster's Inc: Boo

this is so sweet!  I love this scene.

Boo & Mike Wazowski.  So cute.
screen captures from the film Monsters, Inc. (2001)

"Boo!"  "Mike Wazowski!"  "Kitty!"  These are the only phrases Boo ever says in Monster's Inc., yet she is paramount to the film's story.  The adorable little girl is so much more than a plot device: she represents the innocence and trusting nature of children and illustrates how that purity can change anyone, even monsters (literally).  Additionally, while the film seems to focus mainly on the friendship between Mike and Sully, I would argue that Boo's relationship to Sully (and less so, Mike) is just as important to the story and character developments.  I think any parent, older sibling, or anyone who has had the responsibility of loving and caring for someone can relate directly to Sully and Boo's father-daughter relationship.

The Incredibles: Helen Parr / Elastigirl

Helen's face...so good. And Edna Mode!  She's too fierce. :)
screen captures from the film The Incredibles (2004) 

There are no damsels in distress in Pixar's films; in fact, the studio works to create female characters, like Helen, that are almost always on Parr (hahah pun!  I couldn't help myself (: ) with the males.  While some may take issue with Helen as a motherly character (because it seems like they are limiting what kinds of roles women can play), I see no problem with that here.  Mothers are an integral role for women - it is a fact of life and, well, biology.  Having Helen Parr take the role of a strong mother who holds her family together is highly respectable.  I, for one, cannot see the Incredibles family staying intact if it was not for Helen, and I think that she is a brilliant example of female and motherly strength.

Up: Ellie

their love story is just too sweet.
screen caps from the film Up (2009)

It might seem strange that I see Ellie as one of Pixar's finest examples of a female character, since she only shows up a few times within the film, but I think her influence is what makes me drawn to her.  In the beginning, we get her wild, vibrant, slightly untamed personality (like her hair) juxtaposed with Carl's cautious, shy, and gentle nature.  There is so much life in her that even though she dies in the first few minutes of the movie, her impact on Carl resonates throughout the rest of the film.

WALL-E: EVE

the look on her face :)

she's just too boss.
screen captures from the film WALL-E (2008)

I love EVE.  She and Dug are probably my favorite Pixar characters.  I think it is pretty obvious as to why Dug would be a favorite (how can anyone not love that dog?!), but maybe less so with EVE.  To me, she exemplifies the powerful female with a soft edge, and not just in her design.  In much of the media we see today, it feels like a woman has to be either all soft and sweet or fierce and powerful, with no middle ground, yet that does not represent women well at all in reality. In the beginning, she was probably more like the latter category, but throughout the progression of the film, she grows as a character, thanks to WALL-E and becomes a more complete being.  In fact, I would argue that in terms of character development, EVE makes more strides in that than WALL-E.  She has to completely reevaluate what she knows and make room for what she learns from that slightly run-down but sweet robot she finds on earth.

brave.

I have yet to see Brave (but hopefully that will be remedied tonight!), but what I know is that Merida has much to live up to.  With all the beautiful, competent, and dynamic female characters Pixar has created in previous films, I hope she will be just as amazing and more.

UPDATE!:  I saw Brave last night, and it was amazing!!  Merida is the best. :)