Introduction
The two selected animated films are “Despicable Me” and “Brave,” which are similar and different in certain aspects. The main character of “Brave” is Princess Merida, who has a problematic relationship with her parents because of her excessive control, as her status requires her to behave in a certain way. In contrast, in “Despicable Me,” the main character is supervillain Gru, who is not devoid of positive qualities. Both films demonstrate how the freedom to act and change one’s life can produce positive results in increasing the quality of life.
Lead Character
Both movies succeed at making their point explicit with the help of a unique protagonist. Though supervillain Gru and the traditional Disney princess Merida have very little in common on the surface, their motivations and journeys toward self-discovery are strikingly similar. Specifically, both characters seek to discover their true nature and pursue their dreams, yet their actual needs are misaligned with their perception of themselves. As a result, both Merida’s demands and that of Gru undergo a complex process of change involving reconsidering their identity and accepting their true self.
One could argue that Gru’s motivations are entirely misaligned with Merida’s. Specifically, while the latter seeks to prove herself and find her voice, Gru wants to become a supervillain and, by definition, take over the world. However, on closer inspection, the specified intentions are similar in their underlying need to prove oneself and become self-sufficient.
In “Despicable Me,” Gru wants to prove his worth as a supervillain, establishing himself in a manner that he envisions as the true image of his nature and character: “We stole the Statue of Liberty – the small one, from Las Vegas! I won’t even mention the Eiffel Tower… also Vegas” (Renaud & Coffin, 2010, 00:09:31-00:09:34). However, as the movie progresses, it becomes evident that the efforts which Gru takes to build his image of a supervillain do not reflect his innermost needs and desires, nor do they contribute to building his identity.
Merida, the protagonist of “Brave,” suffers similarly in the search for her identity. While she clearly recognizes what she does not want to become, namely, become a bride in an arranged wedding, she remains unaware of what she wants or how she wants to achieve it: “I suppose a princess just does what she’s told!” (Andrews & Chapman, 2012, 00:12:27).
As a result, she engages in a misguided adventure, similar to Gru: “I didn’t ask her to change you into a bear, I just wanted her to change you” (Andrews & Chapman, 2012, 00:40:52). Although the movies use different approaches to express the specified misalignments between the desires of the characters and their actual needs, “Despicable me” applying a more comedic approach, and “Brave” using a more serious tone, both agree on their protagonists being uncertain of their actual needs and identities.
Theme
The specified conflict faced by the protagonists of “Brave” and “Despicable Me” establishes a common theme observed in both movies. Specifically, both films seek to introduce change as an inevitable and crucial part of life that must be accepted and encouraged. While Merida wishes to continue her carefree life, she needs to accept the responsibilities that come with maturity, specifically, her place in her community’s social hierarchy and the associated tasks.
While the specified change should not imply that Merida must follow the gender stereotypes and roles prescribed to her by her society, it implies that, as a princess, she must develop the diplomatic prowess and skills needed to navigate the complexities of her community’s sociopolitical environment. The theme of change becomes especially prominent as Merida finally embraces the specified responsibility and adopts a strategy similar to the one that her mother would when addressing her suitors (Andrews & Chapman, 2012). Therefore, change can be regarded as the central theme of “Brave.”
Likewise, the theme of change remains an inseparable part of “Despicable Me” as Gru struggles to embrace his good-natured side. As the plot unravels, it becomes evident that Gru is not suited for the role of a supervillain. He begins to bond with the orphan girls whom he initially adopts in order to run one of his schemes. The described change indicates that Gru recognizes and revisits his priorities, choosing the well-being of the girls over the completion of his plans: “Three little kittens love to play. They had fun in the sun all day. Then their mother came out and said, ‘Time for kittens to go to bed” (Renaud & Coffin, 2010, 01:00:40-01:01:05).
One could argue that the specified alteration in Gru’s behavior does not involve a major character change since it is implied that he has been a positive character since the beginning and was primarily misguided by his misinterpreting his vocation. The change that occurs and that needs to be recognized as such as Gru embracing his nature as a nurturing and caring individual rather than a supervillain: “Did you brush your teeth?” (Renaud & Coffin, 2010, 00:59:39).
The alterations in Gru’s idea of himself and his perception of his image is, therefore, the main theme. The specified theme aligns with the change observed in “Brave,” where Merida does not go against her nature, either, but instead uses her resourcefulness to address a complicated situation and directs her skills differently.
Cinematography
There are also substantial similarities in the cinematographic approach that both movies use to convey their messages. Specifically, both are computer-animated, which allows for impressive flexibility in terms of the angles used in each frame, as well as the lenses and the framing approach. For instance, in both animated movies, the camera moves very quickly in a number of scenes, which reinforces the expected reaction in viewers.
Notably, while both movies achieve the specified outcome with the help of movement, the goals in question are quite different. In “Despicable Me,” quick camera motion enhances the comedic impression that specific scenes create, therefore causing the viewer to laugh (Renaud & Coffin, 2010). In contrast, in “Brave,” the quick camera movement and unexpected tilted angles exacerbate the dramatic effect of the scenes in which the protagonists are in danger or in an environment of suspense (Andrews & Chapman, 2012). For example, “Brave” uses tilted angles and quick camera movement to capture the random and frightening nature of the lead character having to fight a bear whose form her mother has taken.
Conclusion
The films have similar settings, which are a fantasy world and the ability to do unreal things. Through such a prism, the authors embody their ideas, giving the characters much freedom. In addition, “Despicable Me” and “Brave” have similar cinematography, lighting, graphics, and camera angles. However, one can observe differences in the way the central message of each film is delivered and articulated.
In “Brave,” Merida seeks the courage to confront her parents, control, and change her life. In “Despicable Me,” Gru changes himself because he develops a relationship with an orphaned child who happens to fall in with him. The films show that personal qualities dominate, changing and influencing one’s life.
The differences in the portrayal of the main characters emphasize that their paths to perfection are different. For Merida, it is an understanding of herself and experiencing the conflict with the witch. For Gru, it is a rethinking of his qualities and role in society. Ultimately, however, both films highlight the value of reflection and self-discovery.
References
Andrews, M., & Chapman, B. (2012). Brave. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, performances by Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, and Billy Connolly, Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios, 2012.
Renaud, C., & Coffin, P. (2010). Despicable Me. Directed by Chris Renaud and Pierre Coffin, performances by Steve Carell, Jason Segel, and Russell Brand, Illumination Entertainment, 2010.