Appeal, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing and Staging Examples from `Up`

Appeal:

These two screenshots are in contrast when it comes to the emotion that they express. In the first image we see the love in Ellie's eyes and in the second one they are replaced with Carl's, full of sorrow but also love. The colours in both images are also in contrast as the bright tones in the first screenshot contribute to the happy and energetic atmosphere while the dark shadows convey sadness.

Exaggeration:

In the first screenshot we see Ellie passionately kissing Carl but the actual exaggerated moment is Ellie's behaviour just before the kiss. She is jumping up and down, her eyes widen and she does an exaggerated jump towards Carl.

The second screenshot depicts another exaggerated jump I found. This time, the one jumping is Carl and he does that in order to stop the balloon cart from flying away. Carl's actions are obviously quickened and sudden.

Using exaggeration, the animator can easily reveal a lot about the personality of the character. For instance, Ellie's jump and behaviour before the kiss reveal her excitement and impatience. Carl's jump, on the other hand, demonstrates his bulky gestures. This technique also helps the audience better understand the particular scene.

Solid Drawing:

I find these two examples of Solid Drawing remarkable, as they give the characters the needed depth, volume, weight and balance for creating a realistic three-dimensional animation. In the first screenshot we feel the perfect weight, created by the deep shadows inside the vehicle which are in contrast with the shiny surface of the side view mirror. In the second image the light behind the character gives him volume and balance. The specific angle of the light also makes Carl appear more realistic and believable.





Staging:

According to Ollie Johnston and Frank Tomas, Staging is all about the presentation of any idea, so that it is completely and unmistakably clear. And that is exactly what these two screenshots demonstrate. Even if you have not seen the video above, you could easily say what the general idea of the scenes is. Unfortunately, both of the shots are tragic and saturated with unhappy feelings but that is what the animators were looking for. Staging aims to make you feel the pain, to get you into the characters' shoes.