Writer/Director: Andrew Stanton
Starring: Albert Brooks, Willem Dafoe and Elen DeGeneres
‘A Captivating Classic’
Finding Nemo
Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Willem Dafoe. Ever since his recognition in the 1980’s, Dafoe has become a beloved icon. Whether it is detectives inspecting murders, psychotic killers or green goblins, Dafoe has played several characters. Arguably, Dafoe’s finest strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a focus of a movie, Dafoe has often left a lasting impression. Although he is most well-known for his famous role as Green Goblin within the Spider-Man movies, Dafoe has proven he can make engaging movies in every genre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Dafoe has created several memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a fan of Dafoe and adore all films he has he has made throughout a career. However, “Finding Nemo” definitely stands out as his most underrated movie. Released in 2003, Andrew Stanton’s movie offered a powerful portrait of animated fish. Packed with bold animation, stunning storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best animated movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an iconic performance by Willem Dafoe, who portrays a fish which experiences sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Finding Nemo” an animation classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Pixar movies, it tackles themes which both children and adults would truly relate to. A mesmerizing animated masterpiece, there are many reasons why “Finding Nemo” is a movie worth watching.
“Finding Nemo” tells the story of a fish that gets lost in an expansive ocean that causes sorrow. Alexander Gould embodies Nemo, a lonely fish that has a love for embarking on adventures. Nemo has often shared strong bonds with his father Marlin (Albert Brooks), whom he loves dearly. However, Nemo’s life forever changes when he goes missing in an ocean causing disaster. Facing the state of anxiety, Marlin searches the far reaches of seas for his son. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Marlin questions whether he will ever be able to locate his son in seas causing disaster.
Andrew Stanton is a newcomer towards the stories of lost fish. Before he made “Finding Nemo”, Stanton hadn’t made an animated film before. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to capture the lives of fish facing tragedies in seas, but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Stanton captures a fish embarking on a journey to find identity across seas. Emulating Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws”, Stanton captures a fish embarking upon journeys in oceans which have flaws through montages. For instance, montages elevate the missing fish scene. During this unforgettable scene, Marlin freaks out in a nervous breakdown after he discovers his son has gone missing. Montages are tricky techniques to use in movies. As Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” suggested, montages elevate classic comic-book movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using strong visuals, Stanton captures hardships missing fish are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Finding Nemo” that deserves appreciation is production. From technical perspectives, it’s one of the best animated movies ever made. Evoking James Cameron’s “Titanic”, Stanton deftly uses motion-capture technology to convey depths of seas. For instance, the motion-capture technology enhances the sharks meeting scene. During this intense scene, Nemo stumbles into a dangerous shark in the seas causing adversities. Using motion-capture technology, Stanton constructs a portrait of fish that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Thomas Newman’s music is key towards success of the film. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing burden fish bear. Using riveting production, Stanton captures tensions that fish are facing.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Finding Nemo” is an animated film that’s engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the lives of fish that face tension. For instance, silence enhances the reunion scene. During this heartbreaking scene, Marlin is relieved when he reunites with his son after looking in the seas. Through silence, Stanton crafts a portrait of fish audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a complex technique to use in movies. As Robert Eggers’ “The Lighthouse” suggested, silence enhances period pieces about loneliness. Oliver Stone’s “Platoon” proved that silence enhances Vietnam war movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using a spectacular screenplay, Stanton captures fish that face a painful price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Willem Dafoe delivers one of his best career performances as Gill. Dafoe first achieved appreciation for playing tormented soldiers in Vietnam war films. With “Finding Nemo”, however, he took on his most colourful role. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a fish embarking on a journey to discover its identity but he succeeds. Through stunning animation, he captures the angst, bravery and persistence of a fish embarking upon a journey across oceans. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Dafoe, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Albert Brooks is amazing, capturing the anxiety of a father fish which is determined to locate his son in seas. Ellen DeGeneres is excellent, bringing compassion to a forgetful fish which suffers from memory problems that cause tension. Lastly, Alexander Gould merits appreciation. As a child fish, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Finding Nemo” would earn praise of everyone for capturing fish having dreams to follow. Unlike most Pixar films, it tackles bold themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, mental health and parenting which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Pixar’s animation to enjoy it. Therefore, “Finding Nemo” is one of those rare animated films that everyone will truly adore.
Fans of Willem Dafoe would definitely enjoy “Finding Nemo” and so would movie-goers seeking engaging entertainment. A riveting animated classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking animated film about fish seeking to find children which go missing, it’s an engaging reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy through ability to portray compelling characters in engaging movies that are absolutely without a doubt worth watching.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 