Film Log- 2nd Semester- Toy Story

Movie: Toy Story
1995, Color/Animation, 80 minutes
Director: John Lasseter
Actors: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

Summary: A little boy named Andy loves to be in his room, playing with his toys, especially his doll named "Woody". But, what do the toys do when Andy is not with them, they come to life. Woody believes that he has life (as a toy) good. However, he must worry about Andy's family moving, and what Woody does not know is about Andy's birthday party. Woody does not realize that Andy's mother gave him an action figure known as Buzz Lightyear, who does not believe that he is a toy, and quickly becomes Andy's new favorite toy. Woody, who is now consumed with jealousy, tries to get rid of Buzz. Then, both Woody and Buzz are now lost. They must find a way to get back to Andy before he moves without them, but they will have to pass through a ruthless toy killer, Sid Phillips.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/

Q: Why do the toys seem more human-like/ realistic than the actual humans in the movie?
A: The film focuses on a Toy's journey/ conflicts-- therefore the humans in the movie are mostly an "extra" background addition. However, the central conflict of the story does revolve around the Toy's efforts to remain in a human's life-- but the director hardly elaborates on any of the human characters- most likely in defense of taking away the characteristics that make all the toys, dolls, or plastic seem real. (this element of the emotions of the toys entices emotion from the audience)

Q:How does the costuming play a role in this film?
A: As previously discussed, the central characters of Toy Story are "inanimate" in terms of "real life". However, their costuming contributes to all of their characteristics. The stereotype of "beautiful/feminine blonde," or handsome cowboy, and even the brawny astronaut are extremely prevalent points in giving the audience something to base their characters off of. Though the humans are lowkey in the movie, their clothing exemplifies their social standing in their community as an upper-middle white suburban family.